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DurantDailyDemocrat

Web event to cover economy tonightTown Hall for Hope will take place

today at 7 p.m. The 90-minute event willaddress the economy. Over 6,000 hostlocations across the United States willbroadcast the live feed. Admission to theevent is free. For a list of viewing loca-tions in Durant, visit www.westernmead-owsbaptist.com or call Jim Pena at 775-4663.

LOOKING AHEAD INSIDE TODAY’S DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT“It is written: ‘As surely

as I live,’ says the Lord,‘every knee will bowbefore me; every tonguewill confess to God.’”

- Romans 14:11

VERSEOBITUARIES .......................................................... 2OPINION................................................................ 4SPORTS ................................................................. 5LIONS’ ROAR ......................................................... 6CLASSIFIED........................................................ 7-8COMICS ................................................................ 9

50 centsVol. 108, No. 192 Entire contents copyrighted 2009 www.durantdemocrat.com

Durant sales revenue continues upwardDURANT — Increased activities

and a low unemployment rate haveenabled Durant to continue buckingthe nationwide economic downturnwith yet another month of increasedsales tax revenue.

“If we have jobs, we have moneyspent,” said Durant City ManagerJim Dunegan. “It’s that simple, andso as long as we can create jobs andrevenue, then it’s a bonus to thecity.”

Dunegan said Durant has beenable to avert much of the economicdecline plaguing the rest of the

country because its public servants,from the Durant Industrial Authoritymembers to the city council, worktoward the same goal, creating jobopportunities and working toimprove the quality of life for thecommunity’s residents.

The fruition of these goals seemto be evidenced in Durant’s healthysales tax revenue, which has almostdoubled in the past 10 years,Dunegan said.

Durant pulled in about $1.06 mil-lion in sales tax collections from theOklahoma Tax Commission in

March, an increase of more than$205,000 from the previous yearduring the same time frame. Thisincrease is an extension of a 10-month curb in which local sales taxrevenue has surpassed rates from theprevious year.

The city’s 1 percent sales tax rev-enue has nearly doubled in 10 years,increasing from $120,572 in April ofthe 1998/1999 Fiscal Year to$237,065 in April of the 2008/2009Fiscal Year, according to a 10-yearhistory report for Durant’s 1 percentsales tax revenue.

Dunegan credits Durant’s growthto its location as a crossroad of twoU.S. Highways, the investmentsChoctaw Nation has made to thecommunity, an increase in restau-rants and activities for the communi-ty’s youth, an enhanced Main Streetas the result of Main Street ProgramManager Donna Dow’s effortsthrough a series of streetscape andrevitalization projects and a lack oflayoffs thus far.

“We’ve had a good year, and agood year is harder to overcomethan a bad year because we’ve had

so much growth in that year,”Dunegan said. “It’s hard to continuethat growth because you’ve got tohold onto what you have plus groweven more, but we’re hopeful thatwe can.”

Dunegan warns that if the currentnational recession continues in adownward arc, Durant will eventual-ly feel the effects. He said, however,he is hopeful Durant will gounscathed in this recession becausesome sectors of the economy have

DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT: DAVID C. REED

SECOND-GRADE “PIONEERS” from Washington IrvingElementary School could be seen racing across Rocket ParkWednesday in celebration of the Oklahoma Land Run of April 22,1889. Shirley McLain, a second-grade teacher, said the childrenhave been studying Oklahoma history, including the Trail of Tears,the land run and statehood. Other second-grade teachers areBarbara Kramer, Patty Dixon, Renee Lyons and Jeanie Hazell.

New jobless claimsrise more thanexpected to 640K BY CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABERAP ECONOMICS WRITER

WASHINGTON (AP) —New jobless claims rose morethan expected last week,while the number of workerscontinuing to filing claims forunemployment benefitstopped 6.1 million.

Both figures are fresh evi-dence layoffs persist amid aweak job market that is notexpected to rebound anytimesoon.

The Labor Departmentsaid today that initial claimsfor unemployment compen-sation rose to a seasonallyadjusted 640,000, up from arevised 613,000 the previousweek. That was slightlyabove analysts’ expectationsof 635,000.

Economists are closelywatching the unemploymentcompensation data becausethey believe a sustaineddecline in the number of ini-tial claims could signal theend of the recession is near-ing. Jobless claims have his-torically peaked six to 10weeks before recessions end,according to a report byGoldman Sachs. Initialclaims reflect the level of jobcuts by employers.

But the latest report showsjob losses remain high. Thefour-week average of claims,which smooths out volatility,dropped slightly to 646,750,about 12,000 below the peakin early April. GoldmanSachs economists have said adecline of 30,000 to 40,000 inthe four-week average isneeded to signal a peak.

In another sign of labormarket weakness, the numberof people continuing to claim

See REVENUE, page 2

See JOBLESS, page 2

GM employees may get shutdown details this weekBY TOM KRISHERAP AUTO WRITER

DETROIT (AP) —Thousands of GM workerscould learn as early as todaythat they will be idle for up tonine weeks this summer as theautomaker’s plants stop mak-ing all but its most popular carsand trucks.

The move is a result ofslumping sales and growing

inventories of unsold vehicles,but some analysts and dealersfear the plant closings couldfurther scare car buyersalready made nervous by talkof a GM bankruptcy.

General Motors Corp. isplanning to temporarily closemost of its U.S. factories for upto nine weeks, three peoplebriefed on the plan saidWednesday. The exact dates ofthe closures are not known, but

the people said they will occuraround the normal two-weekshutdown in July whenchanges are made from onemodel year to the next. Noneof the people wanted to beidentified because workershave not yet been told of theshutdowns.

GM spokesman Chris Leewould not comment other thanto say the company notifiesemployees before making any

production cuts public. ButUAW officials will likely raisequestions about the move dur-ing meetings they have sched-uled at several factories todayand Friday with plant man-agers and GM human resourceofficials to discuss productionchanges.

Thousands of workerscould be laid off but would stillget most of their pay becausetheir United Auto Workers

union contract requires thecompany to make up much ofthe difference between stateunemployment benefits andtheir wages.

One of the people briefedon the plan said details are stillbeing worked out. Some of theclosings could be staggeredbetween mid-May and the endof July, but the exact number

Rocketing toward Oklahoma Land Run reenactment

Man careflighted following rollover crashA Durant man was serious-

ly injured in a rollover crashWednesday on Highway 78north of Achille.

According to theOklahoma Highway Patrol,Michael Ray Ham, 19, drovehis car off the road at 3:37p.m. and rolled two times.

Ham was taken to theMedical Center ofSoutheastern Oklahoma byColbert EMS and then flownby LifeStar helicopter toParkland Hospital, Dallas,Texas, where he is in fair con-dition with head, trunk, armand leg injuries.

It was not known why Hamcrashed and the cause is underinvestigation, according toTrooper James Reinecker’sreport.

In other law enforcementnews, Durant PolicePatrolman TimothyMcEachern investigated anautomobile burglaryWednesday on the 200 blockof West Elm Street. Lori Raysaid her neighbor told her sheobserved a male and femaleon foot and that the malereached into Ray’s vehicle

Choctaws planttrees for Earth Day

CALERA — Choctaw Nation ChiefGreg Pyle joined Choctaw employeesand their families in digging into a tree-planting project Wednesday evening atthe Calera Park.

The event, held on “Earth Day,” wasone of several beautification projectsheld by tribal employees recently.

James Dry, project manager, saidapproximately 40 trees and 40 shrubswere planted at the park.

The tribe has completed similar pro-jects in Antlers, Atoka and Wilburton.

DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT:MATT SWEARENGIN

C H O C T A WNATION CHIEFGreg Pyle, left,helped plant treesW e d n e s d a yevening at CaleraPark on Earth Day.Also shown fromleft, ChoctawTribal CouncilMember TedDosh, CaleraCouncil MemberVicki Barkley andCalera Vice MayorDavid Westbrook.See TREES, page 2See CRASH, page 2

See GM, page 2

Lions’ Roar intoday’s edition

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Lonnie L. Pigg, 83Lonnie L. Pigg died at his home in Riverton, Wy.,

early Wednesday morning, April 22, 2009, after a shortbattle with cancer. He was 83.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 24, atthe Davis Funeral Home of Riverton with interment tofollow at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton.

There will be a viewing from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April23, at the funeral home.

Lonnie Leon Pigg was born in Durant, Okla., onMarch 7, 1926, one of 16 children born to John LutherPigg and Rena Irene (Buttler) Pigg. He attended schoolsin the Silo School District of Oklahoma, growing up ona farm at Durant.

He was baptized into the Baptist faith.During World War II, Mr. Pigg was in Bakersfield,

Calif., working in the shipyards. When the war ended, hewent to Texas and began working in the oil field. His firstjob was in Dumas, Texas. Moving with the oilfields, hewas in Casper for a short time and later moved toMontana.

While in Montana, he married Phyllis Ann Kimballon Nov. 15, 1952, in Sidney.

The couple moved to many Rocky Mountain states,settling in Riverton in 1954.

He worked in the oil field until 1961, when he took ajob in the Gas Hills uranium mines as a scraper operatorand heavy equipment operator and mechanic.

He returned to the oil fields and suffered an injury in1982, which lead to many surgeries and forced earlyretirement at the age of 57.

His family said for the remainder of his life, Mr. Piggenjoyed his family and friends. They said he enjoyed hisyard, fishing and sitting on the back porch, watching aday go by.

Mr. Pigg was a driller in the oil fields. He had startedin the industry as a floor hand and worked his way up asa driller and tool pusher, working in Wyoming,Colorado, Utah, Montana and North Dakota. As a heavyequipment operator and mechanic, he had worked forLucky Mc, Federal-American Partners and Macco.

His family said he loved the oilfields and was alsoadept at fixing things.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis of Riverton; sons,Steven Pigg and wife Roberta, Douglas Pigg and wifeNancy, and James Pigg and wife Cheryl, all of Riverton;a daughter, Nancy Wempen and husband Les ofRiverton; eight grandchildren, Andy Wempen, BrittneyPigg, Shellby Pigg, Cody Pigg, Tonia Pigg, ChristopherPigg, Jeff Pigg and Janelle Pigg Smith; eight greatgrandchildren; brothers, Cleo Pigg and his wifeMargaret, and Junior Pigg and his wife Judy of Durant,Okla.; sisters, Annie Hartigan and Joyce Pigg, both ofDurant, and Lois Hodges and her husband Ralph andMildred Newkirk, all of Lubbock, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Stoner and husband Jerry of Polson, Mont.,and Marjorie Valsvig and husband Noble of Spokane,Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, par-ents; brothers Elvis, Tommy, Joe, Johnnie, Virgil and twoinfant brothers; sisters Dorothy and Bessie; a grand-daughter, Michelle Wempen Duty; and a brother-in-law,Wayne Kimball.

Online obituaries are available and condolences forthe family may be made at: thedavisfuneralhome.com.

Services are under the direction of the Davis FuneralHome of Riverton.

shown small amounts ofgrowth or slower progressionsin decline in recent reports.

Bryan County’s sales taxcollections increased 5.06percent from $72,144.12 inMarch 2008 to $75,792.53 inMarch 2009.

Sales tax revenuesincreased in all BryanCounty towns, exceptAchille and Bokchito, in

March 2009 from the sametime frame last year. Caddoalso showed a decline; how-ever, the numbers releasedby the Oklahoma TaxCommission press releaseare not a true reflection ofCaddo’s sales tax revenuebecause the town is repayingoverpayment issued as aresult of an error.

Bennington’s sales tax rev-enue increased 14.28 percentfrom $6,352.93 in March2008 to $7,260.42 in March2009. Colbert’s sales tax col-

lections increased 15.53 per-cent from $16,505.72 inMarch 2008 to $19,070.34 inMarch 2009. And Keneficsaw an increase of 61.94 per-cent from $178.51 in March2008 to $289.08 in March2009.

The Oklahoma TaxCommission’s March distrib-ution of sales tax collectionsrepresents sales from Jan. 16to Jan. 31 and estimated salesfrom Feb. 1 to Feb. 15,according to a press releasefrom the Oklahoma Tax

Commission.Other Bryan County cities

sales tax distribution in Marchof 2009 and 2008:

-Achille, decreased 2.82percent, $3,026.92, $3,114.70

-Bokchito, decreased 36.63percent, $5,638.24, $8,897.51

-Caddo, $3,503.95,$11,654.14 (due to a tax errorthat Caddo is repaying, thesenumbers are not a true reflec-tion of Caddo’s sales tax rev-enue)

-Calera, increased 3.25 per-cent, $26,833.72, $25,987.39

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of plants to be idled has not yetbeen determined. Another per-son said a few plants that makemore popular models couldremain open for part of theshutdown period, but atreduced assembly line speeds.

But the shutdown could becatastrophic to many auto partssuppliers that already are nearbankruptcy due to previousproduction cuts. During theshutdown, suppliers could notship parts to GM and wouldlose critical revenue.

“It’s one of those thingswe’ve been dreading for a longtime,” said Jim Gillette, direc-tor of financial services atauto-industry consultant CSMWorldwide in Grand Rapids.“It’s as bad as its ever been.”

He said that many suppliersare making employee cuts orforcing workers to take fur-loughs to reduce operatingexpenditures.

GM is living on $13.4 bil-lion in government loans andfaces a June 1 deadline to cutits debt, reduce labor costs andtake other restructuring steps.If it doesn’t meet the deadline,the company’s CEO has said itwill enter Chapter 11 bank-ruptcy protection.

The Treasury Departmentdeclined to comment on anyeffect the plant shutdownsmight have on GM’s restruc-

turing plans.Separately Wednesday, GM

announced that it may miss a$1 billion bond payment alsodue June 1 if its debt-for-equi-ty exchange is still in progressby then. GM also could go intobankruptcy protection, whichcould make the company missthe payment as well.

The company plans to makethe exchange offer soon tobondholders, perhaps as earlyas next week. GM has $28 bil-lion in unsecured bond debtand is under government pres-sure to reduce that to solidifyits balance sheet.

GM’s sales were down 49percent in the first quartercompared with the same peri-od last year, and GM had a123-day supply of cars andtrucks at the end of March,according to Ward’sAutoInfoBank. That’s downfrom 162 days worth inJanuary.

But as of March 31, theautomaker had a more thansix-month supply of severalmodels including the PontiacG5 compact and ChevroletSilverado hybrid pickup truck.The lengthy shutdown likelymeans that GM doesn’t see itssales rebounding anytimesoon, said Tom Libby, an inde-pendent Detroit-area autoindustry analyst.

“They must be forecasting asales level that is low enoughbetween now and the summerthat they see their inventories

building,” he said lateWednesday. “It’s sort of anominous comment on whatthey see for the industry.”

Libby also suggested thatthe company’s sales may bedeclining because customersare concerned about theautomaker possibly filing forbankruptcy protection.

GM CEO Fritz Hendersonhas said the company wouldprefer to restructure outside ofcourt, but it is preparing for aprearranged bankruptcy aswell as one in which goodassets would be separatedfrom underperforming ones.

“Just using the word bank-ruptcy, their (market) share isdown a lot just because of thistalk,” Libby said. “They maybe counting on a furtherdecline.”

The plant closures add tothe onslaught of bad newscoming out of GM, said JohnClark, president of AvenueChevrolet, a dealership inBatavia, Illinois, near Chicago.

“Henderson making state-ments about bankruptcy suredoesn’t help his cause, and allof the sudden we have this,” hesaid. “I’ve been getting callsfrom customers about war-ranties. I can’t see this as a pos-itive move.”

The government has said itwould guarantee GM andChrysler warranties as thecompanies restructure.

Libby did say GM shouldbe applauded for not building

too many vehicles and thenhaving to spend big on rebatesand other incentives to movethem, something the DetroitThree have been guilty of inthe past.

Other GM dealers said ashutdown of up to nine weeksis jarring, but not unexpectedgiven the sales slump.

“Nine weeks seems like anawful long time, but the waybusiness is, not an awful lot ofcars are being sold anyway,”said George Tasker, fleet man-ager at Martin Chevrolet inTorrance, Calif.

Tasker said the movewouldn’t affect business, asdealers would “get togetherand trade more easily” to findthe exact car a customer want-ed.

Nearly all automakers withU.S. factories have closedplants or cut production to dealwith the auto sales slump.Earlier this year, GM tem-porarily closed 20 factoriesacross North America due toweak sales, some for the entiremonth of January. ChryslerLLC, also subsisting on gov-ernment loans, closed all 30 ofits manufacturing plants for amonth in January to counterthe auto sales downturn.

Ford Motor Co. also shutdown 10 North Americanassembly plants for an extraweek in January, and bothToyota Motor Corp. andHonda Motor Co. have cutproduction.

and removed a compact disccase.

Police found two juvenileswho matched the descriptionof the suspects, and the boyadmitted to taking the CDcase, the report stated. Thecase was returned to Ray anda copy of McEachern’s report

was forwarded to juvenile ser-vices.

A welder, saw, generatorand an impact wrench werestolen from Wilburn Belcher,who told Master PoliceOfficer John Walker onTuesday that his grandsonnoticed several items missingfrom a shed in the 100 blockof West Alabama Street.Walker observed pry markson the door.

Officials say it is a way fortribal employees to give backto the communities.

“This all started with theChoctaw Employees Team

Building Committee,” Drysaid. “We have held food dri-ves and raised money forautism and Relay for Life ...anything to give back to thecommunity.”

Approximately 100 peopleparticipated in Wednesday’sevent.

CRASHContinued from Page 1

TREESContinued from Page 1

benefits rose to 6.13 million,setting a record for the 12thstraight week.

As a proportion of thework force, the total joblessbenefit rolls are the highestsince January 1983. The con-tinuing claims data lag initialclaims by a week.

The high level of continu-ing claims is a sign that manylaid-off workers are havingdifficulty finding new jobs.

Employers have cut 5.1

million jobs since the reces-sion began in December 2007in an effort to slash costs asconsumers and businesseshave sharply reduced spend-ing. The department said ear-lier this month that compa-nies cut a net total of 663,000jobs in March, sending theunemployment rate to 8.5percent, the highest in 25years.

The cuts reflect the depthof the downturn, which hasbeen global in scope. TheInternational Monetary Fundestimated Wednesday that theglobal economy would shrink

1.3 percent this year, the firstdrop in more than sixdecades. The IMF projectsthe U.S. economy willdecline 2.8 percent, the worstsince 1946.

“The world economy isgoing through the mostsevere crisis in generations,”Treasury Secretary TimothyGeithner said Wednesday.

The Obama administrationis counting on its $787 billionstimulus package, enacted inFebruary, to “save or create”3.5 million jobs.

More job losses wereannounced this week. Yahoo

Inc. said it will layoff 700employees, the third round ofmass layoffs this year. Andoilfield services providerHalliburton Co. said it has cut2,000 positions in the firstthree months of the year.

Among the states, Floridasaw the largest increase inclaims with 9,303 for theweek ending April 11, whichit attributed to more layoffs inthe construction, service andmanufacturing industries.The next largest increaseswere in Pennsylvania,California, Wisconsin andNew York.

REVENUEContinued from Page 1

DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT: MATT SWEARENGIN

APPROXIMATELY 100CHOCTAW employees andfamily members plantednumerous trees and shrubsat Calera Park Wednesday.The project was one of sev-eral beautification projectsby tribal employees. Similarprojects have been complet-ed at Antlers, Atoka andWilburton.

Choctawemployees plant

trees

GMContinued from Page 1

JOBLESSContinued from Page 1

Detroit woman’s underwire in bradeflects bullet in shooting

DETROIT (AP) — Themetal underwire in a Detroitwoman’s bra is being creditedwith deflecting a bullet fired ather during a break-in at aneighbor’s home.

Detroit police Officer LeonRahmaan says the 57-year-oldwoman apparently looked outher window Tuesday whenone of three men fired theshot.

He says the slug smashedthrough her window panebefore hitting the bra’s under-wire. It did not penetrate herskin.

Police say she may havegone to the window after aburglar alarm at the house nextdoor sounded. Her neighborwas not at home at the time.

The suspects drove awayafter the shooting.

BY M.L. JOHNSONASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Agroup of students and par-ents sued Wednesday to stopa Wisconsin school districtfrom continuing to hold highschool graduations in aChristian megachurch.

The lawsuit filed in feder-al court in Milwaukee saidthe setting violatesElmbrook School Districtstudents’ and parents’ con-stitutional rights by creatingan atmosphere that makesnon-Christians uncomfort-able.

The advocacy groupAmericans United forSeparation of Church andState sued on behalf of agroup that includes a gradu-ating student, alumni andparents who are notChristians and had attendedthe ceremonies at ElmbrookChurch. It has hosted thegraduations of BrookfieldCentral High School since2000 and Brookfield EastHigh School since 2002.

School officials have saidthe church is larger andmore comfortable than otherbuildings in WaukeshaCounty, about 10 miles west

of Milwaukee.The lawsuit claims a large

cross in the sanctuary wascovered during the firstgraduation ceremony, butthe church then decided tokeep the cross uncoveredbecause it “wants to share itsfacilities without compro-mising its identity.”

Graduates and guestsmust pass religious bannersand symbols to enter thesanctuary. Some have reador looked through Biblesand hymnals in the pewsduring graduation, the law-suit said.

The lawsuit wants thisyear’s and future gradua-tions moved to a secularlocation and seeks compen-sation for students and par-ents involved in the lawsuitwho attended graduations atthe church in the past.

Superintendent MattGibson said the schools didnot have an alternative siteand that he has spoken to the

church about covering thecross and removing religiousitems.

“They’ve been willing toremove anything that’s tem-porary, but they haven’t beenwilling to remove anythingpermanent,” he said.

A woman in the church’soffice said its leaders hadnot seen the lawsuit and hadno comment.

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Northwest Heights firstgrade Terrific Kids forMarch are (front) ShaynaClure, Kelsie Elrod, AystinWilliams, Braxton Baer,Tommy Le, Trinity Cook,(back) Joanna Lain, MyaPatton, Zachary White,Olivia Wilson, LexeeJackson and KarliWestmoreland. KiwaniansSara Milam and JeremyRowland presented themwith their awards. Not pic-tures is Chase Corbin.

Alexis Nabors, a third-graderat Northwest Heights, isthis week’s Magic Triad win-ner. Tim Young of physicaltherapy at MCSO presentedher with a $5 gift card.

Cade McElheny, a third-grader at NorthwestHeights, is this week’s MagicTriad winner. Tim Young ofMCSO’s Physical Therapydepartment presented Cadewith a $5 gift card.

Docia Wilkerson is perfectattendance winner for thenine weeks. Docia, a first-grader at NorthwestHeights, won a $20 gift cardand a bag from MCSO. TimYoung, MCSO PhysicalTherapy department, pre-sented Docia with herawards.

Gabriel Zadrozna, an earlychildhood student, is thisweek’s Magic Triad winner atNorthwest Heights. TimYoung, MCSO’s PhysicalTherapy, presented Gabrielwith a $5 gift card.

Northwest Heights Elementary students raised a record amount of $3,779 for the American Heart Association dur-ing their annual Jump-A-Thon. Pictured are students who raised over $50 and earned a Jump-A-Thon T-shirt (fromleft): Front row — Noah Morrison, Kaitlyn Gregory, Zachary Pollock, Jade Claxton, Sarah Routledge, MorganHudson, Hannah Morrison, Haleigh Harper; Second row — Trevor Dailey, Adi Hutchens, Avery Mitchem, JaredPollock, Brodie Langford, Aaron Hracek, Alyssa French, Gavin Crouse, TC Tiffee, Ember Tollison; Third row —Hanna Cook, Austin Jones, Kaytlynn McElroy, Skylar Stinnett, Emily Ansiel, Paola Cruz, Keaton Shattuck, CollinMcDaniel, Brandon Fox; Back row — Coach Cindy Ballard, Addison Ray, Mika McCraw, Alexis Nabors, ShayaClaxton, Kristen Hobbs, Jared Iscimenler, Skyler McKaughn, Corie Blakely, Hannah Hime, Katey Cooper and CoachDiana Dale.

Northwest Heights raises record amount for Jump-A-Thon

Noah Sicking is this week’sperfect attendance winner atNorthwest Heights. JasonManous from ShamrockBank presented Noah with a$5 gift card.

The Silo Elementary School 15th annual Science Fair washeld April 2 in the elementary gym. The Best of Fair win-ners were: Fifth and sixth grade division (from left) —Logan Elliott, Laura Nazworth and (not pictured) KaciBlankenship; Third- and fourth-grade division — ZacheryVeenstra, Sara Northcutt and Kearra Martin.

COURTESY PHOTOS

THE CADDO KINDERGARTEN classes did their parts Wednesday for Earth Day asthey walked, picking up trash that had blown into the playground. Mrs. Gabbart andMrs. Baxter supervised the children as they cleaned the campus by filling trash bags.Shown above is Mrs. Baxter’s class and to the right is Mrs. Gabbart’s class.

Caddo students help outduring Earth Day

Jason Manous fromShamrock Bank presentsDIS student Xavier Bellwith a $5 Walmart gift cardfor having perfect atten-dance the week of March 30.

Zeke Gibby, a third grader atRobert E. Lee, is picturedwith Shamrock Bank repre-sentative Jason Manous, whopresented him with a $5 giftcard for not being absent dur-ing the week of April 6-10.

Washington Irving second-grade student Ethan Ellisreceived a Magic Triad forbeing a helpful student.Carla Dillard of DurantMain Street, representingCurtis Jewelry, representedEthan with a $5 gift card.

Wisconsin school district sued over church graduations

Very soon after takingoffice, President BarackObama ringingly pledged:“My administration is com-mitted to creating an unprece-dented openness in govern-ment. ... Openness willstrengthen our democracy.”However, as with an increasingnumber of his promises torepair the Bush-Cheneyadministration’s deep cracks inour rule of law, Obama is giv-ing defenders of theConstitution less and less hopethey can believe in.

For a glaring example, withregard to the pervasive secrecyof his predecessors, Obamahas stunningly not only contin-ued to invoke “state secrets” toorder judges to close downlawsuits. He has gone furtherthan Bush by actually claimingtotal government immunityfrom litigation by citizensprotesting illegal spying on ourcommunications by theNational Security Agency.

On April 3, Obama’sDepartment of Justice filed ananswer to a federal lawsuitagainst warrantless wiretap-ping of Americans brought bythe San Francisco-basedElectronic FrontierFoundation, which has beenthe lead litigator concerninglawless Bush, and nowObama, violations of our pri-vacy.

In Jewel v. NSA, five plain-tiffs charge that their telecom-munications carrier, AT&T,gave the National SecurityAgency — with its vast sur-veillance technology — infor-mation about their communi-cations. (There are also otherlawsuits by indignantAmericans in state courtsagainst telecoms cooperatingwith NSA.)

Attorney General EricHolder — who certainly didn’tact on his own initiative —began Obama’s response byinsisting that just allowing thecase to continue “would causeexceptionally grave harm tonational security.” But Obama,during his presidential cam-paign, vigorously complainedthat the Bush administration“invoked a legal tool known asthe ‘state secrets’ privilegemore than any other adminis-tration to get cases thrown outof civil court.”

But now the Obama admin-istration — explains KevinBankston of the ElectronicFrontier Foundation — “hasfor the first time claimed sov-

ereign immunity against theprivacy-protecting Wiretap Actand the StoredCommunications Act. In otherwords, this administration isarguing that the U.S. canNEVER be sued for spyingthat violated federal surveil-lance statutes, whether theForeign IntelligenceSurveillance Act, the WiretapAct or the StoredCommunications Act.”

Glenn Greenwald, a formerconstitutional lawyer, hasbecome a persistently valuableanalyst of the insatiableunconstitutional overreachingof the executive branch for thepast eight years — and duringObama’s first few months. OnApril 6 in salon.com,Greenwald confronted this“brand-new ‘sovereigntyimmunity’ claim of breathtak-ing scope — never beforeadvanced even by the Bushadministration — that thePatriot Act: Bars any lawsuitsof any kind for illegal govern-ment surveillance unless thereis ‘willful disclosure’ of theillegally intercepted commu-nications” by the government.

What does that mean? Wehave to prove somehow thatthe Obama team has “willful-ly” disclosed information ithas lawlessly obtained on us?But how can we know that ithas? All of this dragnet elec-tronic surveillance is secret!

Another startled analyst ofthis brand-new Obama inven-tion, Marc Ambinder on theApril 7 Atlantic Web Site,reminds us that “domesticcommunications are moni-tored holistically, with com-puters searching for patternsamong the metadata. ... TheNSA continues to work withtelephone companies; it hasenlisted the cooperation ofcompanies that operate majorInternet hubs, as a good chunkof foreign Internet traffic flowsthrough routers controlled byAmerican companies.”

As James Bamford docu-ments in “The ShadowFactory: The Ultra SecretNSA from 9/11 to theEavesdropping of America”(Doubleday), hundreds ofthousands (at least) of our

calls are continually moni-tored and, if “patterns” indi-cate, are put into bottomlessgovernment databases.

When the Bush administra-tion was urging passage of theFISA Amendments Act of2008 that purportedly (butfalsely) guaranteed judicialsupervision of dragnet govern-ment electronic surveillance,then-Sen. Obama was soenraged he threatened to fili-buster the bill. Then he votedfor it, but pledged to workagainst the law’s immuniza-tion of telecom companiesfrom lawsuits for their com-plicity with the NationalSecurity Agency.

Yet, during the confirma-tion hearing of Obama’s attor-ney general, Holder supportedthis protection of the telecomsfrom lawsuits. So, now,Obama does as well. One ofthe biggest whoppers of theBush-Cheney years wasDonald Rumsfeld’s grimcharge that “the worst of theworst” were being “detained”at Guantanamo Bay. Yet, inFebruary, 2006, a Seton HallLaw School report — usingthe Defense Department’sown records — demonstratesthat only 8 percent of Gitmoprisoners were being accusedof being Al Qaeda combat-ants.

Obama’s solemn vow thathis administration will be themost “transparent” in our his-tory qualifies him, through histrumping of George Orwell’s“1984” — in this and otherinvocations of absolute gov-ernment secrecy — for theDonald RumsfeldObfuscation Prize. For anoth-er example of this “new’Obama, to be followed uphere later, we still have CIA“renditions” of terrorism sus-pects to other countries —with their assurance theywon’t torture the suspects wesend.

That’s the very same falsepromise Condoleezza Riceused to ritualistically intone.

Nat Hentoff is a nationallyrenowned authority on theFirst Amendment and the Billof Rights. He is a member ofthe Reporters Committee forFreedom of the Press, and theCato Institute, where he is asenior fellow.

Copyright 2009, NatHentoff.

Distributed by NewspaperEnterprise Assn.

924-4388

Durant Daily Democrat

4 THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT THURSDAY,APRIL 23, 2009

ALMANAC

Is Obama listening to Dick Cheney?

Thursday,April 23, 2009Today is the 113th day of

2009 and the 35th day ofspring.

TODAY’S HISTORY:In 1908, President

Theodore Roosevelt createdthe U.S. Army Reserve.

In 1985, Coca-Cola intro-duced New Coke, a productthat fizzled with consumers.

In 2004, President GeorgeW. Bush eased economicsanctions against Libya — inplace since the Reaganadministration — in responseto Libya’s giving up itsweapons-of-mass-destructionprogram.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS:William Shakespeare

(1564-1616), playwright;Max Planck (1858-1947),physicist; Vladimir Nabokov,novelist, (1899-1977); ShirleyTemple Black (1928-),actress/diplomat, is 81;Sandra Dee (1942-2005),actress; Michael Moore(1954-), filmmaker, is 55;Andruw Jones (1977-), base-ball player, is 32.

TODAY’S SPORTS:In 1999, St. Louis Cardinal

Fernando Tatis became thefirst baseball player to hit twogrand-slam home runs in oneinning.

TODAY’S QUOTE:“All the world’s a stage,

and all the men and womenmerely players.” — WilliamShakespeare

TODAY’S FACT:Novelist Vladimir

Nabokov was also knowninternationally as a lepi-dopterist (a scientist whostudies moths and butterflies).

TODAY’S NUMBER:77 — days that New Coke

was on the market beforeCoca-Cola pulled it from theshelves and replaced it withthe soft drink’s original for-mula, under the name ClassicCoke.

Those who live in a governor’smansion should not throw stones. They should not ask their con-stituents to eat cake while theydeliver speeches to their favoritepolitical groups, attempting to tiedown political endorsements torun for president in 2012.Meanwhile, their constituents suf-fer through this global economiccrisis. They remind me of this oldsong. When I hear conservativeGOP governors such as SouthCarolina’s Mark Sanford,Louisiana’s Bobby Jindal andAlaska’s Sarah Palin makingexcuses for rejecting billions instimulus money designated pri-marily for health care, educationand public infrastructure projects,all I hear is Steve Miller. “Go on,take the money and run.” Withteachers facing layoffs, mountingjob losses, personal bankruptcy fil-ings rising, millions of Americansrelying on food stamps andschools failing, how they can sayanything other than “thank you,please keep it coming” to the fed-eral government is beyond me.Sanford is running ads defendinghis position, paid for by a nonprof-it into which he funneled morethan $100,000 from his conferencebank account. With one of thehighest high-school dropout ratesin the country, can you think of abetter way to spend nonprofitmoney? When Sanford runs forpresident in 2012, I want all thehigh school students who droppedout during his tenure to send him abill for their wages lost.

What they are all doing is play-ing the old political game of tryingto position themselves in a crowd-ed 2012 Republican primary field.Why don’t they all see a face onevery dollar bill — not a presi-dent’s, but a child’s. Don’t turndown money for our kids. Whichbrings to mind another song: “Ibelieve children are our future,teach them well and let them leadthe way.” Listen up, Sanford,Jindal and Palin, Whitney Houstonwas singing that just for you. Well,you have to admit that Palin andJindal got the message. At leastthey’ve flip-flopped to the rightside of the issue.

As formerly vocal opponents ofstimulus funds, both are nowsinging a different tune. Palin isslow to read the political winds.She determines her stance basedon how they’re blowing. But she’salways late. This is the Bridge toNowhere all over again, except inreverse. In that case, she was for itbefore she was against it. She wasfor it when no one knew about theuseless boondoggle, but when itreceived negative attention, shechanged her tune.

When she thought she’d gainpolitical capital and credibility byopposing the stimulus bill on“principled” grounds, you betchashe was a vocal opponent. OnMarch 19, she vowed to rejectnearly one-third of funds availableto her state. But the winds shifted,and by the next day, her lieutenantgovernor, Sean Parnell, was outthere backtracking. Palin shouldthank Jindal for shifting the spot-light from her hypocrisy to his. Hecaused such a stink over fundsallocated for transportation spend-ing. Now, he will request a slice ofthe pie to fund the development ofa rail service connecting NewOrleans and Baton Rouge. As aLouisiana girl myself, I concur thatthere is nothing wasteful aboutfacilitating environmentally friend-ly transportation options betweentwo major cities. Palin, Sanfordand Jindal are jockeying for posi-tion. This isn’t about their statesnot needing the money offered. Itisn’t about serving constituents. Ifit were, all three would take asmuch as they can get. But insteadof doing the right thing, they’redoubling down on the favoredstrategy of Republicans these daysand turning themselves into theepitome of the party of no!

I wish they would all get out oftheir public mansions and sit withthe people who could use somehelp.

Donna Brazile is a contributingcolumnist to Roll Call, the newspa-per of Capitol Hill; and formercampaign manager for Al Gore.

Copyright 2009, DonnaBrazile.

Distributed by NewspaperEnterprise Assn.

GOP governors: Weopenly reject yourmoney, now give it to us

OPINION

Crowd sounds off on spending increasePeople from across the county

gathered on a front lawn of a quietrow of houses on MississippiStreet as part of the 10 grassrootsevents across the state and 2,000across the country held to protestthe stunning increase in deficitspending. Moms, Dads, childrenand grandparents from all politi-cal party affiliations gathered topeacefully express disappointmentin policies in Washington thatspend without constraint.

After a rousing welcome to thecrowd and prayer, Stuart Rustinspoke of the need for conservativevalues, held by a majority of ournation, to be preserved by an unde-niable ground swell of grassrootssupport that should start with eachof us. He added that we should notbe shy in voicing our displeasurewith overspending that has bur-dened our country through severaladministrations. We must not losethe freedoms that America’sfounding fathers gave everythingto establish the “Greatest Nationin the World.” We must not letfuture generations down by sittingthis out on the sidelines, but wemust get the facts of history, get anassessment of present decisions,and get a plan where we shouldinvest our time and energy to pro-mote conservative principles athome and around the world.

Larry Self, who hosted theevent, said he felt the need to invitepeople to join together to show thatwe care about the future of thecountry and what we are passingon to the next generation. PaulConley encouraged people to seekinformation and get involved in thepolitical process to make an impactlocally and nationally. I also spokeas the daughter of a World War IIveteran, sharing how the “greatestgeneration” gave of themselvesfreely in sacrifice to defend free-dom and opportunity. And, afterachieving victory, they returnedhome to work hard and practicepersonal responsibility to realizethe true American dream of pass-ing on a better, stronger country totheir children, so that the next gen-eration could enjoy an even betterlife than they had. We thereforehave the responsibility to honortheir sacrifices and our country bycontinuing their legacy, working topass on even more opportunities toour children and future genera-tions.

People spoke of how, with thelast election, voters became accus-tomed to asking what governmentwill do for us, instead of simplyexpecting the rights clearly out-lined in the Constitution be fol-lowed: that we be given the free-dom and opportunity to make whatwe will of our own lives and pur-suits - from working family farms,growing businesses, pursuing edu-cation, starting charities to helpneighbors and work in our localcommunities, and create inven-tions that better our lives and com-munities, and therefore the countryas a whole. The mantra hasswitched quickly from the populist“Yes We Can” to the currentactions and policies which say

“Only Government Can...” bygrowing larger though the govern-ment creation and funding ofeverything from healthcare man-agement, community organiza-tions, business management, andnew levels of bureaucracy thatrequire higher tax collections tofund. We must be given back thefreedom to practice personalresponsibility which has encour-aged that past generation’s innova-tion by keeping hard earnedmoney directly in the hands ofworkers and helped them to createand foster American ingenuity.Now, the current agenda is spend-ing our children and grandchil-dren’s future hoped-for earnings tofund today’s ‘wants’ instead of liv-ing within our means and follow-ing the example of the “greatestgeneration.”

The Tea Party, which stands for“Taxed Enough Already,” is aneffort to educate the public of thefacts behind deficit spending andwhat impact that will have onfuture generations, including clari-fication of how all workingAmericans will be affected withthe changes in tax rates over thenext few years, not just the “rich”as has been so widely reported andhas been successfully used tosilence many in the country whobelieve they will not have to paymore taxes in the future them-selves. Tax tables from the nonpar-tisan Tax Foundation werereviewed, showing that with theplans to allow the Bush tax cutsto expire, everyone will pay highertaxes. Even the lowest earning taxbracket will rise back to theClinton era level of 15 percentmarginal tax rate (a rise of 50 per-cent over today’s rates), and childtax credits will be lowered. LarrySummers, an economic adviser toPresident Obama, when directlychallenged by David Gregory onMeet the Press on Feb. 25, 2009,about those tax cuts going away,responded “I don’t think there’sany question they have to berepealed.” As well, the Wall StreetJournal, on Feb. 27, 2009, pro-duced an investigative piece detail-ing that even if the “rich” weretaxed fully at 100 percent, they“can’t possibly raise enough rev-enue to fund Mr. Obama’s newspending ambitions.”

The attendees summed uprather simply as the event closedwith the Pledge of Allegiancerecitation, that “the 3.6 trillion dol-lar budget for 2010 and the result-ing 17.2 trillion dollar U.S.national debt level by 2019(Congressional Budget Officerelease 4/1/2009) is something thatwill be unconscionable to saddlechildren not even born yet with -and is something anyone shouldrealize cannot be paid for by “onlythe rich.” Our elected officialsmust stop using our children andgrandchildren as credit cards tofund the instant gratification pro-grams that they and unfortunatelysome citizens in our country havebecome used to.”

Holly GerardDurant

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

DAN BALLEW,camera-press supervisor

KARL OAKLEY,advertising manager

MATT SWEARENGIN,managing editorSTACIE WILLIAMS,circulation manager

CHRIS ALLENPublisher

The Durant Daily Democrat is printed on recycled newsprint and is active in recy-cling newsprint and other papers.

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NatHENTOFFSweet Landof Liberty

DonnaBRAZILE

SPORTSTHE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT 5THURSDAY,APRIL 23, 2009

Beau SimmonsSports editor924-4388ddsports@durantdemocrat.com

Durant Daily Democrat

The players and coacheshave worked all season forthis weekend.

It started back in Fall Ballwith prac-tices andscrimmagesand work-ing on thefield andhoping forgoodweather.

Itinvolvedpracticingand playingwhen sleeping or eating ortexting would have beenmuch more fun.

Playoff time is here andthis time, it’s really here.

Here, like in Durant,America, out on N. 1stAvenue at the Southeasternsoftball field.

Here, like in the nextFriday, Saturday and Sundayof your life.

THE LADYSTORM soft-ballers have set one battingrecord and tied another andthere couldn’t be more sepa-ration.

SE sluggers have slammed64 home runs to tie therecord set last season.

Those same sluggers havedrawn 199 bases on balls toeclipse the single-seasonmark of 167 set in 1996.

Coach Ron Faubion’s clubhas played 57 games and lostall but 48 of them. The 48wins are six away from a sin-gle-season record.

The 2008 team logged a53-12 mark to establish therecord and tie the Lone StarConference mark for mostsingle-season wins.

The latest NCAA D-II Pollhas Southeastern at No. 4and Angelo State No. 5, andthey’re in town this weekend.

NUMBERS ARE NICE,but forget about them.

Only one number countsfrom here on and that’s thenumber one. It’s the numberof games you win in the nextgame you play.

Collect enough ones andthere could be some display-case hardware coming withthem.

Getting where the 2009team wants to go will requirestrong stints in the circle byMarge Johnson (22-3, 0.73earned run average, 342strikeouts), Jami McAdoo(17-3, 2.05), and AmandaTanner (9-3, 2.52).

It will require power fromJohnson, who also leads theteam with 15 home runs, fourshy of the 19 by LoriAlexander in 1996 and KellyBaker in 1999.

Long balls are also deliv-ered by Bailey Mathes (14),Erika Bernal (13), and BenitaSanchez (8).

Mathes has 61 runs battedin, Bernal 45, and Johnson40.

It will require reachingbase by Kristi Goins, JaclynMullaney, Jennifer Morales,Laney Anderson, andMorgan Miller.

It will require outstandingdefensive play from everyposition.

It will require pinch hittingand pinch running by SharlieStaab, Cassy Tice, BrittanieSwift, and StephanyCrawford.

It will require heads-upcoaching by Faubion andassistant Rachel Lynn, a2008 LadyStorm All-America.

The MVP could be trainerJames Dudley.

It started back in Fall Ballwith all the practicing andscrimmages, etc.All of thatwas to reach this point.

The playoffs start at noonFriday with Angelo State andCameron.Southeastern willtake on Texas A&M-Kingsville at 2:30 Friday.

Great tournament crowdswould certainly help ice the2009 cake.

HaroldHARMONFeedback

No. 4 Southeastern,No. 5 Angelo State intown this weekend

Johnson earns eighth LSC-N weekly honorDURANT — Southeastern (48-9) pitcher Marjorie Johnson has been

named Co-Lone Star Conference North Division Pitcher of the weekfollowing her effort in leading the Savage Storm to a four-game sweepof Southwestern Oklahoma State, earning the school’s 10th LSC-Ncrown. The award is her eighth such honor on the year, with only fourpitchers earning the honor all year. There were only three weeksduring the year that the award was given and she was not selected.

SWOSU did not score a run in the series, with Johnson amassing a2-0 record with a save and was part of three of the four shutouts.

She allowed just three hits, holding the opponents to a .077 battingaverage. She struck out 27 hitters, which is nearly 2.5 K’s per inning,while only issuing three free passes.

On the weekend, only four runners advanced past first base.

SE netters earn LSC season honorsDURANT — Southeastern men’s tennis boasted four athletes that

garnered recognition on Wednesday as the Lone star conferencehanded out its all-conference honors and specialty awards.

Three players earned specialty recognition, Travis Truax, Oriol VidalCortes and Alejandro Argumedo.

Truax was named the Sportsmanship Player of the Year afterposting a 14-6 singles record and a 12-10 doubles mark. He played inevery position from one to five, posting a best of 7-1 at number four.

Cortes was honored as Co-Freshman of the Year after compiling a13-7 singles record in his first season, including a 5-2 mark at numbersix singles. He also added a 10-4 doubles record.

Argumedo was tabbed Co-Newcomer of the Year in the league,turning in an 8-7 mark in singles play and a 12-9 mark in doubles, withnine of those wins coming with Cortes.

Nikita Ryashchenko built on his freshman campaign and was tabbedall-conference in singles and doubles play. He tallied a 9-4 singlesmark on the year, going 6-3 at the number one position in duelmatches.

In doubles he teamed with Truax for a 6-4 mark, earning them bothdoubles team recognition.

The Storm also had a second doubles duo earn conference honorswith Cortes and Argumedo taking home the recognition. Ryashchenkowas also selected to the LSC Tennis Men’s All-Academic Team, whileMatt Kelso landed on the Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Tournament champsThe Colbert Middle School Baseball Team won the Colbert Middle School Tournamentrecently. Shown, front, from left: Dylan Sinor, Caleb Shoemake, Leo Hernandez, DariusJohnson, Keller Cummins, Dylan Jones, Blake Aytes, Trevor Cole and Ethan Williams.Back, from left: coach Jeff Graham, Cade Carter, Charlie Adams, Bradley Nichols, JamesHair, Payton Whitehead, Jared Nunley, Preston Rice, Dakota Reese and Kason Krob.

Girls Team Oklahoma Choctaw included: Heather O’Neal (Talihina), Shavannah Short(Eagletown), Hailey Elrod (Durant), Cierra Matthews (Talihina), Presley Grammar(Soper), Malinda Steve (Calera), T’iata Roberts (Ada), Ariole Bennett (Durant), andAshley Scroggins (Howe). Coaching staff included Brad Clay, Kevin Gwin, Cyndi Houser,and Tyrone Stafford.

TEAM OKLAHOMA CHOCTAW, front row, from left: Sam Steve (Durant), ParkerTaylor (Rattan), Derek Anderson (Battiest), Kyle Baker (Wright City) and Barry Williams(Wright City). Back, from left: coach Brad Clay, Marcellous Hill (Boswell), Kirk Taylor(Rattan), Jordan Eagleroad (Talihina), Lane Adams (Red Oak), Martin Stevens (Boswell)and coach Kevin Gwin.

Team Oklahoma Choctaw,consisting of one team ofyoung men and one team ofyoung women, traveled toHenryetta to participate in the6th Annual Madness inMarch All-Indian BasketballTournament March 18-22.

Thirty boys teams and 22girls teams traveled to com-pete from communitiesacross Oklahoma, as well asfrom other states, includingMississippi, South Dakota,Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming,Iowa and Arizona.

The tournament officiallykicked off with a CollegePrep Seminar on Wednesday.The seminar is geared towardpreparing Native Americanyouth for the rigors of col-lege.

The fans’ favorite event ofthe week was Friday Night’sRising Star Activities, com-plete with a Slam DunkChallenge. A packed housewitnessed the showcase ofhigh flyer Team OklahomaChoctaw Slam Dunk winner

Lane Adams of Red Oak.Teams competed in pool

play all day Thursday andFriday vying for the No. 1seeds with bracket playbeginning on Saturday morn-ing. The Girls TeamOklahoma Choctaw endedthe tourney with a 2-2 record.The Boys Team OklahomaChoctaw swept the tourneygoing undefeated 7-0 and tak-ing home the coveted GoldBall after beating theMississippi Choctaw in thefinals.

The tourney concludedSunday evening with a formalAwards Banquet. TeamOklahoma Choctaw memberDerek Anderson of Battiestreceived Tournament MVPand Offensive Player of theTournament.

Marcellus Hill of Boswellwas also named to the All-Tournament Team.

The two teams were madeup of young Choctaw menand women from across theChoctaw Nation.

ATLANTA (AP) — If theHawks lose again in the open-ing round of the playoffs, theymay remember that peskybird flying around their arena,disrupting the opening min-utes of Game 2.

Then again, if the Hawkshad shown as much feistinessas their real-life mascot, theymight have done a better jobcoping with Dwyane Wadeand the Miami Heat.

After getting blown out inthe series opener, the Heatbounced back for a 108-93victory Wednesday night thatevened the series withAtlanta. Not surprisingly, itwas Wade leading the way —showing up early for someextra shooting, admonishinghis teammates to get seriousbefore the game, scoring 33

points to spark the win.With 13 straight points to

close the first half and anunlikely 3-pointer off thebackboard in the waning min-utes, Wade showed it’s hard tokeep him down two games ina row. He already had morepoints by halftime than he hadin Game 1, when he was heldto 19 points and turned it overeight times in a 90-64 loss.

Now, the Heat have thehome-court advantage. Game3 is Saturday in Miami.

Only once during the regu-lar season was Wade held toless than 20 points in consec-utive games, and he wasn’tabout to let it happen again inthe playoffs. This was vintageD-Wade — 6-of-10 from 3-point range, 11-of-20 overall,five rebounds, seven assists,

two blocked shots and a steal.The Hawks should have

known this wouldn’t be theirnight when “Spirit,” an actualhawk that flies down from therafters during the pre-gameintroductions, decided to hangaround for the tipoff. Thegame had to be halted for acouple of minutes when thefierce-looking bird landed onthe top of the backboard; hefinally flew to his handler andwas led out of the building.

Turns out, the real hawkshowed more aggressivenessthan any of the players wear-ing Hawks across the front oftheir jerseys until the fourthquarter, when Atlanta finallycame to life.

“We didn’t start the gamewith a sense of urgency, likethe start of the first game,”

Smith said. “We didn’t playtogether. Put those two nega-tives together, and that’s whatcaused us to lose. We wereplaying selfish on offense.”

Magic 96, 76ers 87At Orlando, Fla., rookie

Courtney Lee had 24 points,Hedo Turkoglu scored 16 andthe Magic blew another 18-point lead before evening theseries at a game apiece.

Dwight Howard had 11points and 10 rebounds butfouled out late, and RashardLewis made a pair of bigjumpers in the final minutesto help Orlando win its fourthin five games againstPhiladelphia this season.

Andre Miller had 30points, and Andre Iguodalascored 20 of his 21 points inthe second half for the Sixers,

who closed the gap to 5 pointsand almost erased the samedeficit they faced in the seriesopener.

Nuggets 108, Hornets 93At Denver, Chauncey

Billups scored 31 points in theNuggets’ second straightblowout.

The best-of-seven seriesshifts to New Orleans forGame 3 on Saturday nightwith the Nuggets holding justthe third 2-0 edge in their 33-year NBA history.

Carmelo Anthony, quiet inGame 1 with just 13 points on4-of-12 shooting, scored 22points and dished out nineassists. J.R. Smith added 15points.

The Hornets, losers ofeight of their last 10, were ledby David West’s 21 points.

Curse of the bird? Hawks flop after mascot fiasco

Area players join Team Oklahoma Choctaw for All-Indian tournament

THACKERVILLE —Southeastern’s BostonBrittain fired a low round of67 and finished in a tied for14th in what was the lonehighlight of a tough trip to theWinStar Golf Club inThackerville for the LSCGolf Championship whichwrapped up Tuesday.

The Savage Storm postedfirst and third round scores of289 as a team, but fired a 300in the second round en routeto a three-day total of 878 anda 10th place finish.

Brittain’s low round of 67in the opening round put himin a tie for third, but he fol-lowed up with a second roundtotal of 76 and closed with a70 to finish with a total of 213

in a tie for 14th.Justin Blomberg also card-

ed his lowest score in roundone with a 71, and followedwith a pair of 75’s to finish at221 in 36th place.

Josh Hobbs finished tiedfor 37th, one stroke back ofBlomberg, with a round onescore of 78, which improvedto a 74, then a 70 to finish at222.

Corey Gilbert turned inround of 73, 76 and 74 to fin-ish in a tie for 39th with a223.

Jordan Sullivan concludedhis senior campaign with arough outing, carding a 79 inthe first round and recoveringto post a pair of 75’s to finishin 48th place.

WinStar proves challenging for SE Golfers

Southeastern briefs

6 THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT THURSDAY,APRIL 23, 2009

LIONS’ ROARDurant Daily Democrat

Vol. 9, No. 32 Durant High School

LLiioonnss’’ RRooaarrPublished every Thursday by

Phyllis Rustin’s Journalism Class

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Adding to hopeBY ERIN MCDANIEL

The Pregnancy Center of Bryan County is expanding. They are adding morespace, more services and more staff.

With help from volunteers from churches across the community, the center hasdoubled their size. The new space will be filled with two new counseling rooms, abathroom, an office for the nurse manager, a medical room and a large meeting roomfor child birth classes. Alongside these new additions, a new roof and new siding hasbeen added to the older section of the building.

The Pregnancy Center will also offer new services. Free sonograms will be avail-able to all positive pregnancy test clients. The center is hoping to be able to offerthese by 2010. The current year will be spent training and preparing personnel, anurse manager and two nurses in this new field of ministry.

While being busy with the building project, the Pregnancy Center is still open forthose who need it. They are giving free pregnancy tests and educational classes tothose in need.

For more information about the Pregnancy Center of Bryan County, you can visitwww.pcbcllfe.org, call the center at 580-920-BABY (2229) or stop by 308 N.Second Ave. in Durant. The Pregnancy Center is open Monday, Tuesday andWednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday nights from 6-8 p.m.

Banding together

BY MIRANDA LORANCE

Yearbooks are an essentialpart of the high school experi-ence. They are pages of mem-ories, good and bad, that youwill someday be able to cast aweary eye upon and muttersome nostalgic phrase equiva-lent to “those were the goodold days.”

It is currently possible topre-order a yearbook, anddoing so at this time will allowyou to not only pay a lessamount of money, but alsoensure that you actuallyreceive one when the shipmentarrives. The cost is currently$40.

If you are interested inordering a yearbook, visit theoffice or see Coach BarryHudson. You can also orderone online at wwwjosten-syearbooks.com.

The goodold days

BY RICHARD DURAN

For any musician whohas yet to decide what to doafter high school, the U.S.Navy provides many greatopportunities. At the time,the Navy isn’t short onrecruits, so they’re not tak-ing just any person whodecides that they wouldwant to join, and it’s gettingharder everyday for peopleto get in.

According to local Navyrecruiter AE2 Zack Pinnick,the U.S. Navy needs band

members, and despite theincreasing difficulties ingetting in, those looking toget into the music programmay find relative ease injoining. And there are plen-ty of incentives to join.

Upon completion of bootcamp and arrival at the U.S.Navy Band, one isadvanced to the rank ofMusician First Class, whichis E-6 pay grade, a rank thatnormally takes much longerto get to. For more informa-tion, go to www.navy-band.navy.mil/

Texoma CattleWomen scholarshipBY TAYLOR SNELL

The Texoma CattleWomen is a locally basednon-profit organizationencompassing the greaterTexoma area.

The primary goal of theCattle Women is to pro-mote a positive image ofthe Beef Industry throughpublic education programsabout the benefits andnutritional value of thebeef.

It also serves as asource of information andindustry news for beefconsumers and producers.

The association holdsannual events to raisemoney for college schol-arship funds.

The Texoma CattleWomen awards two $500scholarships to eligiblehigh school seniors eachyear.

This scholarship isawarded to students in

memory of Pat Grote, oneof the Texoma CattleWomen charter members.

To be eligible for thisscholarship, seniors mustmeet the followingrequirements: applicantsmust be graduating from aTexoma area high school,private school or homeschooled, they must beplanning a career in anagricultural and/or foodscience-related field ofstudy, or have a back-ground in beef-relatedprojects or youth leader-ship activities related tothe agricultural industryor food science technolo-gy.

Applications must bemailed to Texoma CattleWomen, c/o Trudy Lucas,President, 7322 Hwy 289,Howe, Texas 75459.

For more information,please contact the presi-dent of Texoma CattleWomen at (903)476-5565.

Juggling schoolEnrollingsuccess

BY MORGAN PIERCE

This time of year isalways hectic. Springsports are in full swingand everyone is tryingfranticly to prepare for APexams and EOI testing.

Kids in both sports andAP classes have thetoughest time.

They must juggle ath-letics or extracurricularswith extra course workand serious review time.

Most students are capa-ble of arranging their livesaround activities.However, as Mrs. MelanieMerideth put it, it takesdiscipline.

Students must knowwhen and what assign-ments are due. It takesdiscipline to stay on top ofthe extra course work ofan AP class.

One of the best ways tokeep assignments andextracurriculars clear is tokeep everything in a cal-endar.

Either write it down orkey it into your phone.

Then look at it; consult itdaily and get the assign-ments done that are due.

Don’t forget that help isavailable. Go in for tutori-al if it is necessary. Ifyou’re ineligible you can’tplay at all, so it is to yourbenefit to go in.

Some students becomestressed over their crazyschedules.

The best course ofaction is to talk to yourteachers and coaches. Letthem know what is goingon.

Most of the time theywill work with you. aslong as they see you aretrying.

But don’t just ask forextra time because youdidn’t want to do yourassignment.

Most teachers won’ttake kindly to that. Almostanything is manageable,but it takes effort and a lotof discipline.

Get organized and beprepared to put in extrahours; there is no reasonyou can’t do it all.

BY ASHLEIGH GREEN

Cupcakes and Kool-Aidand posters galore! Here atDurant High School, April 9,more than 50 percent of thestudent body showed up toenroll for the 2009-2010, highschool year.

When asked what hethought about EnrollmentNight, Aaron McCoy said, “Ithink it was a great success. Iwas able to steer some studentsin a different direction whichhopefully will better suitthem.”

McCoy also said, “All butthree of my students showedup to enroll.”

Ashlynn Major said, “Idon’t think that I will like nextyear because it will all fly bytoo fast. That means that Iwon’t be in high school any-more. I would rather be in aworld of adolescence than in aworld of adults.”

She also said, “EnrollmentNight was fun. It was funbecause I got to meet all theeighth graders, or I mean nextyear’s ninth graders.

“Enrollment night wentsmoothly. Those in chargeenabled us to make it a verysmooth enrollment night,”Major said.

I want you forArmy of TwoBY JOHN WEILANDMULTIMEDIA REVIEW

If, like my brother and I,you love your co-op shoot-em-ups, then “Army of Two” isdefinitely worth getting. I’dcompare it favorably to Kaneand Lynch and the Conflictgames as a base of reference,but it has quite a few uniquebells and whistles too.

For starters, one of the mostunusual aspects of “AoT” isthat you can’t pick up enemyweapons, which might soundodd. Instead, you can purchasedifferent weapons from vari-ous mid-mission arms dealersand then customize them in themost imaginative ways. OnceI’d finished with my AK-47,for example, the various barrel,cartridge, stock and front-mount additions left it lookingcompletely unrecognizable.

The co-op features are alsoa big part of “Army of Two.”Whether you have to performa simultaneous snipe or boosteach other to climb to a highplatform, it’s clear that thisgame was really designed fortwo players. There are the typ-ical vehicle scenarios whereone of you has to act as thegunner while the other drives,but there is also the creativeuse of riotshields, where oneplayer holds the shield andmoves while the other sporad-

ically pops out and fires.This leads me on to the

“Aggro” concept, which“Army of Two” seems to con-sider one of their better ideas.The theory is that if player A isfiring, hostiles will all concen-trate their fire on him and com-pletely ignore player B, whocan surreptitiously slip aroundbehind and take them out with-out hassle. I found that it workswell in theory but rarely inpractice. That said, however, itwas certainly an innovativeand interesting strategic addi-tion to my usual gung-hogameplay.

The graphics are superb, aswell as the real-world physicswe’ve all come to expect fromthe 360. The story and charac-ters are engaging and the co-opand customization factorsmake “Army of Two” a verywell-rounded game. The onlynegative point about it is that,like so many 360 shooters I’veplayed recently (“Halo 3,”“Kane & Lynch”, “Gears ofWar”), it is far too short, withabout 14 hours of solid gam-ing. But with huge customiza-tion possibilities, fluid action-packed gameplay and theoption of online multiplayerbattles, I can’t recommend thisgame highly enough. If youlike tactical shoot-em-ups orco-op games in general, you’lllove “Army of Two.”

Goingconcur-rentBY HOLLY COX

Last week on Thursday,April 16, SoutheasternOklahoma StateUniversity advisors cameto visit Durant HighSchool juniors and sopho-mores who are interestedin being enrolled in con-current classes next year.

A current junior atDurant said, “The processwas really simpIe, and theladies were extremelyfriendly. They were will-ing to do anything to helpthe students who want togo to Southeastern.”

The only requirementsto be enrolled concurrent-ly are that the student hasto have taken the ACT andscored a composite scoreof at least 20. On the ACTsub scores in the classdesired, the student musthave made at the leastscore of a 19.

A future concurrent stu-dent said, “I am so excitedfor next year. I have heardnothing but good things,and now it is my turn toimprove.”

The Pridegoes to stateBY ELIZABETH SWEARENGIN

The Pride of DurantBand went to state contestfor concert band lastWednesday.

They traveled to WesternHeights High School inOklahoma City. The bandperformed the march“Amparito Roca” by JamieTexidor and “TemperedSteel” by Charles Young.

They received a rating ofII, II and I on stage and aperfect score of straightones in the sight-reading

room. “I would like to tell all

of our families that I wasvery proud of the band’sperformance at OSSAAState Concert BandContest,” said Pride direc-tor Chris Gregg.

“We were the highestrated band of the day withan overall rating ofExcellent on stage andSuperior in Sight-Reading,” he said. “If youwere not there, you misseda very exciting concert.Good job, band.”

A year offBY MELODY NEWBURN

Mrs. Stephanie Lowry, theU.S. Government, economicsand reconnecting youthteacher, is going to be takingoff for a whole school year toget her master’s degree. She’sgoing to be taking courses forsocial studies education.

“I’m going to miss the stu-dents and faculty here atDurant High School,” she said.

She is also taking this timeoff to spend with her daughter,Fallon.

It’s a requirement for allteachers to get there master’sdegree within seven years oftheir teaching.

Poetry cornerTWIZZLER FANTASIESBY TAYLOR SNELL AND ERIN MCDANIEL

Take me away magical sword,orange and twisted. Give me play,in a land where I’ll never be bored.Show me some dragon to slay;give me a princess to save.Take me away magical sword.Help me fight my way to a cavewhere the treasures may lay,in a land where I’ll never be bored.Damsels and riches the heroes save.The road to glory it did pave.

Take me away magical sword.Keep my love out of the way;keep her safe from the fray,in a land where I’ll never be bored.Give me a life as long as you may.Hopefully, here forever I’ll stay.Take me away magical sword,in a land where I’ll never be bored.

Durant Daily Democrat

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100 Legals

Published in the DurantDaily Democrat April 23,2009

IN THE DISTRICTCOURT IN AND FOR

BRYAN COUNTY STATEOF OKLAHOMA

TAYLOR, BEAN &WHITAKER MORTGAGECORP.;

Plaintiff,

vs.

GEORGE BRANDON,SR. AND DOLORESBRANDON; et al.

Defendants.

Case No. CJ 2008-819

Judge

NOTICE OF HEARINGMOTION TO CONFIRM

SALE

THE STATE OFOKLAHOMA TO:

George Brandon, Sr.;Dolores Brandon;Mortgage ElectronicRegistration Systems,Inc.; MortgageElectronic RegistrationSystems, Inc. asnominee for ExtracoMortgage

TAKE NOTICE that thePlaintiff has filed herein aMotion to ConfirmSheriff’s Sale in theabove-entitled cause.That said Motion toConfirm will be heardbefore Judge Campbell insaid Judge’s Courtroom ofthe Bryan CountyCourthouse on the 19 dayof May, 2009, at 9:30o’clock, A.M. You mustappear at said time andpresent any objections tothe said sale proceedingsor the Motion to ConfirmSale will be sustained andthe sale confirmed.

KIVELL, RAYMENT ANDFRANCIS

A ProfessionalCorporation

By: /s/ Stacie Bryza,OBA #19643

Triad Center I, Suite 2407666 East 61st Street

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133(918) 254-0626

ATTORNEYS FORPLAINTIFF

Published in the DurantDaily Democrat April 23,2009

IN THE DISTRICTCOURT OF BRYANCOUNTY STATE OF

OKLAHOMA

ROWENA M. HUGHESand TRAVIS GLYNNHULL,

Plaintiffs,

vs.

SHELBY FORD,Defendants.

NO. CV-2009-769

NOTICE OF TIME LIMITFOR FILING AN EXCEPTION OR

ELECTION TO TAKEPROPERTY AT

APPRAISED VALUE

TO THE FOLLOWINGINTEREST OWNERS:

RUBY PETTETT30TH AVENUE SPOKANE,WASHINGTON 99203

CHRISTINE LOUISEHERR1850 DOGWOOD ROAD,NO. R-1PASCO, WASHINGTON99301

CHRISTINE LOUISEHERRP.O. BOX 160PASCO, WASHINGTON99301

CHRISTINE LOUISE

100 Legals

HERR160 RR #1PASCO, WASHINGTON99301

PAUL PETTETT904 MISSISSIPPI AVE.ATOKA, OK 74525-3328

DEBBIE PETTETT A/K/ADEBBIE PETTETTDITTMARRURAL ROUTE #1 HC03JOHNSTON CITY,TEXAS 78636

MICHAEL PETTETT3625 PARKER ROADWYLIE, TEXAS 75098

JACK PETTETT22851 CR 3 DRIVESTONEWALL, OK 74871

JAN WITTY157 POLLY ANNA DRIVEWEST MONROE, LA71292

MONETA O’QUIN3127 COLCHESTERDALLAS, TEXAS 75234

RUBY PETTETTRR 1PASCO, WASHINGTON99301

CHRISTINE LOUISEHERRRR 1PASCO, WASHINGTON99301

BILLY CLYDE PETTETTRR #1, HIGHWAY 78DURANT, OK 74701

MAXINE WILLIAMSHUGHESCHESHIRE LANEHOUSTON, TEXAS77018

RAYMOND WILLIAMSCRA #1237PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS77641

DAVID JAMES PETTETT205 14TH STREETRENTON,WASHINGTON, 98055

DAVID N. PETTETT a/k/aDAVID PETTETT7506 SILVERTHORNDRIVEROWLETT, TEXAS

TONY PETTETT TATE215 WYNNE STREET,NO. 14COLIVILLE,WASHINGTON 91114

ROWENA M. HUGHES5810 REMINGTONCIRCLE SOUTHDURANT, OK 74701

TRAVIS GLYNN HULL1315 REMINGTONCIRCLE EASTDURANT, OK 74701

ATTORNEYS:

MR. L. LYNN WINDELLITTLE, LITTLE, LITTLE,WINDEL, OLIVER,LANDGRAF &GALLAGHERP.O. BOX 618, Madill,OK, 73446

MR. CHAD D. UPTONAttorney at Law305 W. MainTishomingo, OK 73460;

100 Legals

MR. RICHARDHOERSTERBOOLEY, HOERSTER &SION, LLPAttorneys at Law520 West Main StreetFredericksburg, Texas,78624

MR. DAVIDYOUNGBLOODAttorney at LawP.O. Box 540Atoka, OK 74525

MR. DAVID W. KELLYAttorney at LawP.O. Box 1047Durant, OK 74702

NOTICE IS HEREWITHGIVEN that on the 27thday of March, 2009, theabove referenced courtentered judgment in thiscause of actiondetermining ownership ofthe following describedtract, to-wit:

S/2 NW/4 NW/4 ofSection 9, Township 5South, Range 12 East ofthe Indian Base andMeridian in Bryan County,State of Oklahoma,according to the U.S.Government Plat andSurvey thereof,

as follows, to-wit:

NAME OF OWNER;UNDIVIDED INTEREST

ROWENA M. HUGHES;3/14

TRAVIS GLYNN HULL;3/14

PAUL PETTETT; 1/168

DEBBIE PETTETT nowDITTMAR; 1/168

DAVID PETTETT; 1/168

MICHAEL PETTETT;1/168

JAN WITTY A/K/A JANAWITTY A/K/A JANALEEPETTETT WITTY; 9/252

JACK PETTETT; 3/126

MONETA O’QUIN; 9/252

RUBY PETTETT; 1/126

BILLY CLYDE PETTETT;1/7

PAT BROWNLEE; 1/7

MAXINE WILLIAMSA/K/A MAXINEWILLIAMS HUGHES;1/28

RAYMOND WILLIAMS;1/28

KATHY WILLIAMS; 1/28

THE “HEIRS” OFSHERMAN NEALWILLIAMS; 1/28

NORMA JEAN PETTETT;2/378

CHRISTINE LOUISEPETTETT now HERR;2/378

DAVID JAMES PETTETT;2/378

And, whereas,

100 Legals

Commissioners were dulyappointed to makepartition of said propertiesin accordance with thestatutes of the State ofOklahoma, and saidCommissioners did, onthe 21st day of April,2009, file their report withthe Court Clerk of BryanCounty, State ofOklahoma, stating thatpartition of the abovelands cannot be madewithout manifest injury,and did make a valuationand appraisement of saidproperty appraising thesame at $20,000.00.

That you, and each ofyou, are herewith notifiedthat the time limit for filingan exception or anelection to take theproperty at the appraisedvalue is no later thanTWENTY (20) DAYSFROM THE DATE THEREPORT WAS FILEDWITH THE COURTCLERK OF BRYANCOUNTY, STATE OFOKLAHOMA.

THIS NOTICE ISSERVED UPON YOUPURSUANT TO THEPROVISIONS OF TITLE12 O.S. SEC. 1509 ANDOTHER APPLICABLESECTIONS.

DATED THIS 21st day ofApril, 2009.

TOM CRISWELL III, OBA#2024

CRISWELL &CRISWELL, INC.Attorney at Law

122 North Third StreetP.O. Box 541

Durant, Oklahoma74702-0541

Tele. #(580) 924-2119Attorney for the

Plaintiffs

Published in the DurantDaily Democrat April 16,23 and 30, 2009

IN THE DISTRICTCOURT OF BRYANCOUNTY STATE OF

OKLAHOMA

RICKY V. SMITH andDAWN M. SMITH,

Plaintiffs,

-vs-

REBECCA J.ARMSTRONG or herUnknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND EMETTCANARD or hisUnknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND FRANCILCANARD or herUnknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND R.F.WITHERS or hisUnknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND GEORGEM. JAMES or hisUnknown Heirs,Executors,

100 Legals

Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND TheUnknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, Immediate andRemote of E.A.CANARD, deceased,AND The UnknownHeirs, Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, Immediate andRemote of E.T.CANARD, deceasedAND WYVETTEHARPER or herUnknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND BETTYLAMAR or herUnknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND JOYBOBO or her UnknownHeirs, Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND JOANCALHOUN or herUnknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND WILEYBROMLEY or hisUnknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND WYLMA(WILMA) GAYLE YATES,individually as trustee ofWylma Gayle Yates;Jackie Rowena Tidwellnow Householder; andKelly Deon Cottinghamnow Roper, or herUnknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND JACKIER. HOUSEHOLDER orher Unknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND KELLY D.ROPER or her UnknownHeirs, Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND CHARLESROPER Unknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND FRANKYLYNN YATES, or hisUnknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, ANDSHAWNDEL YATES orher Unknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND RICKY E.YATES Unknown Heirs,Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND KARI D.YATES or her UnknownHeirs, Executors,Administrators,Devisees, Trustees, andAssigns, AND LASALLEBANK NATIONALASSOCIATION, asTrustee forCertificateholders ofBear Stearns Asset

100 Legals

Backed Certificates,Series 2003-HE1, ANDSTATE OF OKLAHOMAEx rel, Oklahoma TaxCommission

Defendants.

CV-2009-273

NOTICE BYPUBLICATION

THE STATE OFOKLAHOMA TO:REBECCA J.ARMSTRONG, EMETTCANARD, FRANCILCANARD, R.F.WITHERS, GEORGE M.JAMES, E.A. CANARD,E.T. CANARD, WYVETTEHARPER, BETTYLAMAR, JOY BOBO,JOAN CALHOUN,WILEY BROMLEY,WILLEY BROMLEY,WYLMA (WILMA) GAYLEYATES, individually andas trustee of WylmaGayle Yates; JackieRowena Tidwell nowHouseholder; and KellyDeon Cottingham nowRoper, CHARLESROPER, FRANKY LYNNYATES, SHAWNDELYATES, if living, and ifdeceased, the knownand unknown heirs,devisees, executors,administrators, trusteesand assigns, immediateand remote of the same.

YOU, AND EACH OFYOU, are hereby notifiedthat you have been suedin the District Court ofBryan County, State ofOklahoma, in Case No.CV-09-273 wherein RickyV. Smith and Dawn M.Smith, are Plaintiffs, andREBECCA J.ARMSTRONG, EMETTCANARD, FRANCILCANARD, R.F. WITHERS,GEORGE M. JAMES,E.A. CANARD, E.T.CANARD, WYVETTEHARPER, BETTYLAMAR, JOY BOBO,JOAN CALHOUN, WILEYBROMLEY, WILLEYBROMLEY, WYLMA(WILMA) GAYLE YATES,individually and as trusteeof Wylma Gayle Yates;Jackie Rowena Tidwellnow Householder; andKelly Deon Cottinghamnow Roper, JACKIE R.HOUSEHOLDER, KELLYD. ROPER, CHARLESROPER, FRANKY LYNNYATES, SHAWNDELYATES, RICKY E. YATES,KARI D. YATES, if living,and if deceased, theknown and unknownheirs, devisees,executors, administrators,trustees and assigns,immediate and remote ofthe same, and LASALLEBANK NATIONALASSOCIATION, asTrustee forCertificateholders of BearStearns Asset BackedCertificates, Series 2003-HE1 and STATE OFOKLAHOMA Ex Rel,Oklahoma TaxCommission, areDefendants, and thePlaintiffs allege that theyare the owner of and inpossession of thefollowing described realproperty, to-wit:

100 Legals

TRACT I: Lot 2 in Block17 in the Town of Mead,Bryan County,Oklahoma, according tothe official plat thereof.

and

TRACT II: Lots 4 and 5in Block 17 in the Townof Mead, Bryan County,Oklahoma, according tothe official plat andsurvey thereof.

AND, YOU, the saiddefendants, are furthernotified that unless youanswer said Petition forthe Plaintiffs’ filed hereinagainst you on or beforethe 1st day of June, 2009,the allegations of saidPetition will be taken astrue, and judgment will beentered, and a Decreequieting Plaintiffs’ title inand to the abovedescribed property will beentered against each ofyou.

WITNESS my hand this14 day of April, 2009.

SANDY STROUD,COURT CLERK BRYANCOUNTY, OKLAHOMA

By: /s/ Tammy AlleyDeputy

(SEAL)

Chris D. Jones OBA No.21247Jones Law, PC311 W. Evergreen St.Durant, Oklahoma 74701Telephone (580) 924-1444Fax (580) 924-0444www.joneslawpc.netAttorneys for Plaintiffs

Published in the DurantDaily Democrat April 23,2009

IN THE DISTRICTCOURT OF BRYANCOUNTY, STATE OF

OKLAHOMA JUVENILEAND FAMILY

RELATIONS DIVISION

In the Matter of:O.M.J.An Alleged DeprivedChild Under the Age of18 Years

JD-2009-20

SUMMONS AND NOTICE

THE STATE OFOKLAHOMA TO:AMANDA D. JONES

You are hereby notifiedthat a Petition has beenfiled in the matter of theabove named child(ren)which alleges that saidchild(ren) are deprived asdefined in Title 10 O.S.1101 et seq. You arehereby notified to bebefore the Juvenile andFamily Relations Divisionof the District Court ofBryan County in theCourtroom of said Court inthe Bryan CountyCourthouse, Durant,Oklahoma, on the 9th dayof June 2009, at 9:30o’clock a.m. The Petitionon file is the Office of theCourt Clerk of Bryan

100 Legals

County, and you arereferred to the Petitionwherein it is alleged thatthe above named minorchild(ren) is deprived asmore fully described insaid Petition.

FAILURE TO RESPONDTO THIS SUMMONS ORTO APPEAR AT THISHEARINGCONSTITUTESCONSENT TO THEADJUDICATION OF THECHILD(REN) AS ADEPRIVED CHILD(REN)AND MAY ULTIMATELYRESULT IN LOSS OFCUSTODY OF THISCHILD(REN) OR THETERMINATION OFPARENTAL RIGHTS TOTHIS CHILD(REN).

You are further notifiedthat upon your failure toappear that proceedingscan and will be had toadjudicate the abovenamed child(ren) asdeprived. You areinformed that you areentitled to have anattorney present at thishearing, and that onemight be appointed foryou if you cannot employan attorney by reason ofindigence. You are notifiedto contact the Court Clerkof the District Court if youdesire to be representedby an attorney.

SIGNED this 20th day ofApril, 2009.

/s/ Rocky L. PowersJUDGE OF THE

DISTRICT COURT

200 Announcements

LLoosstt && FFoouunndd

Lost black bull calf, 500lbs, orange tag in rightear. Pirtle area. Call 924-1029

NNoottiicceess

CHECK YOUR AD THE1ST DAY! Report anyerror promptly by calling580-924-4388. Credit canbe given for only oneincorrect insertion.Adjustment for any error islimited to actual cost ofspace involved. TheDurant Daily DemocratClassified does notassume financialresponsibilities for errorsor omissions. Pleaserequest corrections inaccordance with deadlineschedules.

300 Services

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Got Holes? Cracks?Water Damage? CallMarks Drywall Repair.Specializing in CustomDrywall Repair. AcousticRemoval-INSURED FreeEstimates 580-565-0743

Painting, inside/outside,drywalls, 25 yrs.experience. VernonHankins, 931-9418/580-775-5571

Remodel & Repair. 30years experience. Decks,Home leveling. Qualityworkmanship. Call DavidMiller. 380-6832

Roofing and Roof Repair.Local lumber yardreferences. All workguaranteed. Jimmy (Bo)Smith. 924-3721

Smith's Roofing andSiding. 22 yearsexperience. FreeEstimates, 5-yearworkmanship quarantee.(580)931-0801 or(580)380-0173

LLaawwnn SSeerrvviiccee

A1 Mowing. Honest,reasonable, dependable.Rick 380-6314; 924-6070

C&M Lawn Service. NoJob too Small or Lg. Wedo it ALL. (Durant, Mead,Calera area). 916-5656.

S&M Mowing Service,yard maintenance. Freeestimates, call Stacy(580)760-0314

Small Brush hog jobs.Lawn mowing, clean up,tree trimming. 924-7328or 916-5972

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Your Errand Gals. GeneralShopping, picking updropping off (dry cleanersetc.). (580)775-0741 or(580)775-5793

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Machine quilting all sizes,Doylene's Fabric Shop.Call 580-924-4145.

NEED CASH NOW?WE WANT TO MAKE

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NOBLE FINANCE1344 B W. EVERGREEN

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(580) 924-4321

If you are highly motivated, outgoing,and enjoy working with people, you’rethe person we need. Our exceptionaloffice is now looking for a full time

Dental Assistant for our DurantOklahoma office to help our practicegrow and better serve our patients.

Experience and certificates are preferable. We offer excellent salary and benefits.

Please fax resume to (580) 920-2082

Stonebrook Assisted Living

is looking forcaring individuals to help

with daily livingof our residents.

Apply in person at1616 Lifesearch Way, Denison.

Call 903-465-5051for directions.

EOE(Lic. #000463)

CCuussttoommeerr CCaarree RReepprreesseennttaattiivveeCommuniComm Services is seeking Customer CareRepresentatives to expand our Durant, OK Call Center. Asa CCR, you will answer the telephone in a courteous, pro-fessional and customer-friendly manner to respond toorders, conduct moderate to in-depth customer inquiries,address billing questions and customer concerns in a fastpaced, high energy call center environment with a focus onproviding exceptional customer service including process-ing payments, selling, upgrading and retaining cable &Internet customers, and other communication services.Candidates will be subject to background, drug screen andDL checks. Flexible schedule required. Previous call cen-ter experience a plus.

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HHeellpp DDeesskk RReepprreesseennttaattiivveeCommuniComm Services is seeking a Help DeskRepresentative to provide technical assistance to our cus-tomers, using a courteous, professional and customerfriendly manner. Successful candidate must be experi-enced with personal computers, software programs,Internet browsers and operating systems, with the ability totroubleshoot these as required. Must be able to assist cus-tomers with the configuration of client settings and providein-house support of Internet and/or VOIP services.Candidates will be subject to background, drug screen andDL checks. Flexible schedule required. Previous HelpDesk experience a plus.

EEmmaaiill rreessuummeess ttoo:: hhuummaannrreessoouurrcceess@@jjaammeessccaabbllee..ccoomm oorr aappppllyy @@

11550011 WW.. MMiissssiissssiippppii SSttDDuurraanntt,, OOKK 7744770011

CCoommmmuunniiCCoommmm SSeerrvviicceess iiss aann EEOOEE

88 THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT Classified THURSDAY,APRIL 23, 2009

Is it time to change to a job that you will really love?Our Family Oriented Home Health Agency

area is seeking caring dedicated RNs in the Durant area.Full Time salaried employees enjoy the following benefits:

• Exceptional Orientation/Mentor Program• Productivity INcentive Program• Employer matched 401(k) program• Health, Dental & Life insurance• AFLAC policies• Up to 18 Vacation days per year• Sick Days• Flexible Scheduling• A friendly and compassionate work environment

EOE800-465-8380or visit us at:

www.oklahomahealthcaresolutions.com

Oklahoma’s largest independent equipment Rental Company is

seeking an inside sales coordinator/outsidesales representative. We are looking for an

individual who is customer oriented, astrong team player, organized and self

motivated. Familiarity of various types ofequipment helpful. This position servesthe Durant, OK and surrounding areas.Company paid vacations, holidays, and

benefits after 90 days.

Fax resumes to: 580-924-6998or Email: employment@pioneerrental.net

Pioneer Rental

PPrrooffeessssiioonnaall SSeerrvviicceess

Bush hogging, Box Blade,house pads, driveways,yard leveling, (580)924-3357 or (580)380-0276

Bush hogging, Box Blade,house pads, driveways,yard leveling, (580)924-3357 or (580)380-0276

DIVORCES-Uncontested,children andproperty okay. $65.00.Call Texoma Services.580-924-8564

Dozer work. Ask for AlanParis or leave message920-2751. Any type dozerwork.

Garrett's Clean Up,Removal, HaulingService. Also includesdemolition, newconstruction and yardmowing. Free Estimates.580-634-4144.

Sewing Machine Repair.Fancy Feathers, 305W.Main. All workguaranteed.

RReeppaaiirrss

Service/Repair and saleson all make all modelskitchen & laundryappliances cheapest ratesavailable. Will haul awayold appliances. 916-6251or 916-2225 or 924-6167

RRooooffiinngg

Jimmy Smith Roofing isnot affiliated with SmithRoofing, a/k/a BennySmith Roofing, a/k/aHines Roofing.

400 Financial

500 Education

600 Animals

HHoorrsseess

Hoof Trimming, $20 perhorse. (580)367-5029

LLiivveessttoocckk

3 Fresh Longhorn ropers,all shots. $350/each.(580)263-0248

PPeettss

2 AKC RegisteredFemale AustralianShepards $250. withpapers $150. without Call745-9762

700 Agriculture

HHaayy,, FFeeeedd,, SSeeeedd,,GGrraaiinn

Combine run BahiagrassSeed.$1/pound. R.C.Herring 580-889-2885 OR580-889-2534

Will haul square bale hay.Call (580)367-0513 or(580)380-3270

900 Merchandise

AAuuccttiioonnss

FFuurrnniittuurree

Ashley Furniture,Millennium Group (RowleyCreek) dining table w/leaf,$600.00. 580-380-8283

WWaanntt TToo BBuuyy

YYaarrdd SSaallee

30 year Garage Sale:Friday and Saturday,7:00-? 5308 PheasantRun. Solid Oak bunkbeds, w/built in computerdesk, dresser andbookshelves, plus sizewomen's clothing(2X &3X) boys clothes(12-16),claw foot dining table w/6chairs, lots householdgoods, ceramics, andeverything else.

6 Family Garage SaleCollectables, Antiques,furniture, nice baby girl,children and adult clothes.And a lot of stuff.Ridgemont Estates offMockingbird, 2525Monterey. Thursday andFriday.

Estate Sale 1225 WacoSt. April 25-May 4th 1pmtil dark tools, mowers, 2half beds, furniture &kitchen items

Garage Sale go E. on 70turn N. on Sawmill Rd. goto 406 Paddock Loop Fri.& Sat. guns, saddles,spurs, silver coins, pocketknives, tack & lots of misc.

Garage Sale: 2212Hillcrest Ct., Durant. Lotsof kids clothes. Friday andSaturday, Starts at 8:00

Large Garage Sale:Women's large sizes,children's, lots more. 1007Donna Sue, Durant Fridayand Saturday til all isgone.

Yard Sale; Thursday andFriday, 404 W. Main St.,Calera. Baby items,furniture and clothes.

Yard Sale; Thursday,Friday, Saturday. 1457Sandcreek Road,Cartwright.

1000 RecreationalVehicles

AATTVVss

For Sale: 2004-660Yamaha Grizzly,automatic, push button 4-wheel drive, wench, newbattery, has 436 hours.$3650.00 OBO. Call 580-775-3295. Everythingworks on it.

CCaammppeerrss // RRVVss &&TTrraaiilleerrss

29 ft 1986 Prowler in goodcondition, sleeps 6, plentyof storage. $3500 920-2645 or 230-8013

MMoottoorrccyycclleess

2004 HD Sportster. 1200cc Custom, only 1650miles. Has windshield,bags, lots of chrome. Likenew. Phone 920-1946

2000 Automotive

AAuuttooss

$500! Police Impounds!Hondas, Chevys, Toyotasand more! For Listings800-628-5707xA804

TTrruucckkss

1991 Chevy, V6, newmotor, stepside, bucketseats, white. $1500. 580-830-7120 or 903-815-2287

3000 Real EstateSales

FFoorr SSaallee BByy OOwwnneerr

320 SE 2nd For rent orowner finance 3-1 $2000.down 580-916-6277

Lake Texoma Area-Cumberland Cove,1450Sq. ft Brick house,2bed, 1 1/2 bath,office,30x50 shop,alsoincludes 3 mobile homerentals onproperty.Reduced,$209,000.(580)916-0553

Wholesale to Public BankRepos/ mobile homes callKathy 817-313-7675

HHoouusseess FFoorr SSaallee

$500. down Rent to own$350./mo. 2 bedroom, 2full bath mobile home775-0849

3 bed FORECLOSUREOnly $317/mo! 5% dn,20yr @ 8%! For Listings800-613-7782 x B618

Open House! Saturdayand Sunday, 1:00-4:00. 3bedroom, 2 bath, 2 carcarport, on 1 acre. Fencedbackyard, 2-workingshops, Near Lake Texomain a country setting. 898Sandcreek Road,Cartwright Must see.$119,900. 918-698-7363

Affordable Energy StarBrick Homes nowavailable 3 bedrooms, 2baths, 1/2 mile fromCasino, 580-916-6277

Foreclosure! 3 bedroomonly $14,250! Priced toSell! For Listings 800-613-7782 x H746

HHoouusseess FFoorr SSaallee

LLaanndd ((AAccrreeaaggee))

Beautiful 1.5 acres. Readyto build on in Durant.$20,500. 775-2385

Carroll Real Estate(903) 868-3154

3500 Real EstateRentals

AAppaarrttmmeennttss//TToowwnnhhoouusseess

2 bedroom, 1 bath,laundry facilities, close toschools, water paid.$350/rent, $150/securitydeposit. (580)920-1487

AAppaarrttmmeennttss//TToowwnnhhoouusseess

CCoommmmeerrcciiaall

3000 sq ft commercialbuilding in Calera on Hwy75, 1/2 mile south ofChoctaw Casino.(580)230-9307

For rent or sale; 6400 Sq.Ft. Commercial building.Facing Hwy 75, 618 BryanDrive. Can be divided into2 or 3 main sections. 1section 2700 Sq. ft., 2sections 1,850 sq. ft each.Owner financing available.Down Payment required.920-8781

HHoouusseess FFoorr RReenntt

1 bedroom apartments, 2bedroom house, and 1bedroom, 1 bath house,all for rent, differentprices. Neat and clean.(580)924-2994

4/2 HUD Home $21,950or $210/mo! 5% dn 20yrs@ 8% For Listings 800-613-7782 x B911

HHoouusseess FFoorr RReenntt

Caddo, 2 houses, 3bedroom, 1 bath, $595. 2bedrrom, 1 bath, CH/A,$475. 916-0480/916-0598

Calera, 3 bedroom, 2bath, very nice, $600.580-920-5039

4000 ManufacturedHousing

SSaalleess

For sale 1996 Schulzemobile home to bemoved. 3 bedroom 2 bathgood condition. $10,000580-230-9477

5000 Resort Property

6000 Employment

AAddmmiinniissttrraattiivvee//PPrrooffeessssiioonnaall

CChhiilldd//EEllddeerrllyy CCaarree

FFoooodd SSeerrvviicceess

Part-time car hop wanted.Apply in person 319 S.9th, Wright's Drive-In.

HHeellpp WWaanntteedd --GGeenneerraall

Now TakingApplications

Locally Owned andOperated. Serving Durant

for over 10 years.

Texoma BusinessStaffing

1308 N 1st, Suite BCollege View

Shopping Center

580-924-8564

City of Colbert isaccepting applications forPublic Utility Authority forgeneral labor. CDL isrequired. Applications canbe picked up at theColbert City Hall or youmay fax resumes to (580)296-2100

Man For Hire 580-847-2878 or 580-775-0686

MMeeddiiccaall

Receptionist for Doctor’sOffice- Start $8 hr, fulltime Monday throughFriday with healthinsurance. Experiencerequired. Fax resume to580-931-8809.

MMeeddiiccaall

SSaalleess

Avon Reps Wanted 50%earnings. Call Sheila at866-434-3425

9000 Service / Bus.Directory

FFeenncciinngg

First Class Fencing,Quality fencing byknowledgeable,experienced personnel.Call Marty at 580-916-5455 or 580-296-5578

PPoooollss // SSppaass

Lynn's Pool Service.Cleaning-Inspections-Mainanence. Call 580-775-1250

Dozer WorxDump Truck,

Back Hoe,Top Soil,

Sand & Gravel924-6784920-6108

PAYLESSDIVORCE

Uncontested, court ready.Needs only your signature.

Starting at $125.Member of BBB.

Call: 1-800-254-0133

Buffet, Washer & Dryer,Oval Dining Table w/6

Chairs, Side by SideRefrigerator & Freezer,Bdrm. Suites, Singer

Treadle Sewing Machine,Couch, Recliners, Trunks,

SS Mixing Bowls, Flatware,Dishes, Costume Jewelry,Cedar Chest, Lamps, Pots& Pans, Mixer, Blender,

Wall Clock, Pyrex,Corning Ware, TV, Punch

Bowl, Old NationalGeographics, Record

Player & Records.

Sat., April 25, 200910:00 A.M.

Auctioneer: Scott Moore580-916-1900

Durant, Ok.

1101 W. Willow, Durant

The Late Dorothy Silver(A teacher for over 30 years).

ESTATEAUCTION

Not Responsible forAccidents or Theft!

We buy any and all odds andends including broken,

damaged gold and silver.Free Estimates & Appraisals

provided for all items including jewelry.

RRiicckk FFeeii lleerr22 AA SSttrreeeett SSWW.. AArrddmmoorree

2244 hhrr pphhoonnee 558800--222211--44556611

Cash For CollectiblesGold/Silver/Copper Coins

All real estate advertisedherein is subject to theFederal Fair Housing Act,which makes it illegal toadvertise “any preference,l imi ta t ion , or d is -crimination because ofrace, color, religion,handicap, family status,sex handicap, familialstatus or national origin, orintention to make any suchpreference, limitation ordiscrimination.”

This newspaper will notknowingly accept anyadvertising for real estatewhich is in violation of thelaw. All persons are herebyinformed that all dwellingsadvertised are available onan equal opportunity basis.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

* Apartments

* Houses

* Townhomes

* Condos

* Mobile Homes

TOWNHOMEPROPERTIES

924-9290

Call

ww

w.to

wnh

omep

rope

rtie

s.com

• Cool Places

• Affordable Prices

FOR RENT2 Bedroom

House Durant’sFINEST

49th Street &Blackjack

Drive$575 month

924-2822

BriarwoodApartments

One & Two Bdrms.,Unfurnished!

Appliances Furnished

Water paid, CH&A.

924-6025

LeChateauApartments700 N. 3rd924-8837

• 1 & 2 bedrooms• Laundry Facilities• Convenient toschools & shopping

HUDApproved

HOUSEFOR RENT

3 bedroom$595/mo.

4 bedroom$650/mo.

both include:2 bath & refrig.range, washer,dryer, CH&A,

lawn care

924-4278

LPN NeededFull Time

Licensed PracticalNurse Needed for Growing

Hospice Service.Must have

compassion and thedesire to care for ter-minally ill patients.Available to work

M-F and be avialableto share on call hoursnights and weekends.

If interested,Please submit resume toShari Mullins, D.O.Nat Sunshine Hospice

2825 W. University Blvd.Durant, OK 74701

580-920-0600

Victory LifeChild Development

Center is taking applications for

full/part timeemployment. CDA

and Master Teachersare a plus but not amust. Competitivewages with benefits

available.Apply at 1519 Radio

Road or call580-924-6789

Hit aGrand

Slam withan ad in

ourClassifieds.

924-4388from

8:00 -5:00 pm

Ride into good $avingswith the Durant DailyDemocrat classifieds.

CCCLLLAAASSSSSSIIIFFFIIIEEEDDDSSS Join the thousands of winnerswho buy or sell merchandise

through The Democrat Classifieds.To place your ad call 924-4388.

KTEN-TVhas an opening for a

CLERICAL POSITION.

We are looking for an

organized

individual in a

professional work

environment with

good computer

knowledge and

excellent phone and

people skills.

Send resume to:

Human Resources,

KTEN-TV,

10 High Point Circle,

Denison, TX 75020

or email to

jobs@kten.com.

EOE

Prosecutors beef up charges against teen pirateBY LARRY NEUMEISTERASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

NEW YORK (AP) — When U.S.prosecutors brought piracy chargesagainst a teenager from Somalia, theydusted off a law that has been on thebooks since George Washington wasthe country’s first president and usedonly sparingly since then.

The law’s obscurity, the lack of re-cent precedent and murky definitionsof what constitutes piracy could pres-ent challenges to law enforcement.But prosecutors also boosted theircase with more common nonpiracycharges that could lead to a longprison sentence, even if the piracycount doesn’t stick.

The government “threw prettymuch everything they had at this guybecause I think they wanted to hedgetheir bets,” said Eugene Kontorovich,a professor at Northwestern Univer-sity Law School.

In a criminal complaint, prosecu-tors depicted Abdiwali Abdiqadir

Muse as the brazen ringleader of aband of four pirates who bullied 20crew members of an American-flagged cargo ship, fired a shot at thecaptain and boasted of hijacking otherships. They said he executed the ma-neuver like a veteran pirate, stealing$30,000 from a safe and demandingthat the crew give him the phonenumber of the ship’s owner.

Muse’s family says he is an im-pressionable minor who fell under thesway of older pirates and is being un-fairly targeted by the U.S. govern-ment. Muse appeared bewildered, ifnot scared, in his first court appear-ance on Tuesday, breaking down intears as lawyers told the judge thatthey had spoken to his father.

There are varying accounts of hisage — his lawyers say 15, his parentssay 16 and the government says atleast 18. The judge heard testimonyfrom his father via telephone fromSomalia and from government offi-cials Tuesday before determiningMuse should be tried as an adult.

The top count against Muse ac-cuses him of piracy under the law ofnations, a charge not used regularlysince the 1800s. It carries a manda-tory life sentence.

The other charges against him —discharging a firearm, conspiring tocommit hostage taking and brandish-ing a firearm — could be found indrug, kidnapping and conspiracycases throughout federal courthousesin the United States. They also offerpotential penalties up to life in prison.

The government also set up a sce-nario in which they could eventuallydrop the piracy count in a plea bargainthat would give Muse a chance tododge a life sentence. That could benecessary if legal questions are raisedby the piracy statute.

Michael Passman, a Chicago au-thor of articles on piracy and the law,said piracy has a range of definitions,depending on which set of laws areinterpreted. U.S. statutes define it oneway. International laws define it a dif-ferent way. The “law of nations” cited

in the charges can draw on any num-ber of legal parameters.

“That is something the court isgoing to have to confront,” he said.But “recent practice suggests that thecivilized world knows what the defi-nition of piracy is under the law of na-tions.”

Kontorovich said the piracy statutefiled against Muse has been aroundsince 1791, but hasn’t really beenused since 1885. The law carried amandatory death penalty until the1900s and was last rewritten in 1948,he said.

He noted prosecutors had alsocharged Muse with conspiracy toseize a ship by force, a count usedonly once since it was written to com-bat terrorism after the 1985 hijackingof the Italian cruise ship AchilleLauro.

He said that law was written be-cause piracy statutes could not beused against the hijackers who killed69-year-old New Yorker Leon Kling-hoffer during the ship’s hijacking, be-

cause the piracy statutes required thattwo vessels be involved; the AchilleLauro hijackers had boarded the ves-sel and posed as passengers.

Kontorovich has written an articleto be published by the California LawReview about the difficulties of pros-ecuting pirates and terrorists.

In it, he writes that nations havegenerally released pirates because itis difficult to detain or successfullyprosecute them. He said hundreds ofpirates are routinely released afterthey are caught. The difference be-tween those cases and the current oneis that an American-flagged vesselwas attacked.

“We don’t want a Guantanamo ofthe seas,” he said. “What are we goingto do with all these guys — the cost ofdetaining them, complicated trials.What if they ask for prisoner of warrights? They would play the Guan-tanamo playbook from page one.”

Meanwhile, a Minnesota group isunder fire for helping Muse’s familynavigate the American legal system.

Dear Annie: Two months ago, I married “Aiden” after more thana year of dating. He’s a loving husband and I am happy. The prob-lem is, Aiden’s financial life is a mess. He owes back taxes, hascredit card debt and forgets to pay his bills.

I’m extremely organized with my money, pay all my billspromptly and have money saved. I don’t owe anybody a dime. Howcan I protect myself from Aiden’s messy financial life? Will thisaffect my ability to get a loan? As a married couple, is our financiallife now “one”? Please help me. — Worried in Hawaii

Dear Hawaii: If you have combined accounts, you may be legal-ly responsible for all of Aiden’s debts. It might be wise for you tokeep separate accounts until Aiden’s credit cards are paid off andhis taxes are straightened out. His credit rating also can affect yourability to buy a house or get a loan in the future. Until Aiden canlearn to be more financially responsible, it would be a good idea foryou to handle the money. The two of you also should get somecredit counseling so you can set up a budget while pulling Aidenout of debt. Contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling(nfcc.org) at 1-800-388-2227.

Dear Annie: Last August I met the man of my dreams. I thoughtI had finally found someone to spend the rest of my life with.“Boyd” works alternate 12-hour shifts. Right now, he is workingnights. I know he is tired when he comes home, but lately he hasbeen distant. When I question him, he says he is exhausted. Annie,I know in my heart that something is wrong, but he won’t talk tome.

It is really hard for me to sleep alone, so I don’t fall asleep untila few hours before he gets home. I thought returning to bed whenBoyd does would be a way for us to share time together, but lately,he doesn’t seem to care if I join him or not. I have noticed the sameattitude with other things that used to be special between us.

We no longer hold hands or share looks the way two people inlove do. Is he trying in his own way to tell me it is over, or am I justparanoid because of my past lousy experiences? — Lost

Dear Lost: It’s possible Boyd is simply exhausted, and when youwait up for him, he feels pressured to “perform,” which makes himresentful. (Some men misinterpret cuddling as a sexual advance.)We recommend you give him some space, while making yourhome a relaxing refuge for him. If something else is going on, youwill find out soon enough.

Dear Annie: This is in response to “Desperate Alcoholic,” thestill-suffering 48-year-old woman who can’t stay sober. Havinggrown up in an AA family, I realized at age 35 that my social drink-ing had progressed to alcoholism. As high-functioning alcoholics,my late husband and I tried quitting a few times, but mostly justcontinued on in our merry way. After he died five years ago, I final-ly decided to get treatment, since there was a nearby facility thatwould accept Medicare. Tearfully, I asked the counselor if I was tooold to get well. She replied: “I just have one question: ‘Is your heartstill beating?’”

I have had numerous relapses, but they are less frequent and ofmuch shorter duration (the last one was barely 24 hours), and I gaina little something with each sober period. I count my blessings andalways remind myself that as long as my heart is beating, there ishope. God bless you. — Grateful Recovering Alcoholic

Dear Grateful: A tremendous number of readers wrote to sup-port “Desperate’s” efforts to stay sober. We hope it will help toknow so many people are on her side.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar,longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail yourquestions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie’sMailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611.

THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT 99ComicsTHURSDAY,APRIL 23, 2009

KIT 'N' CARLYLE® by Larry Wright

DEAR DR. GOTT: I was diagnosedwith osteoporosis in 1998 following anabnormal bone-density test. I was firstprescribed Evista, which I stopped afterabout a year due to side effects. The pri-mary complaints I had were weight gainand hot flashes. I never had problemswith menopause and didn’t have hotflashes until trying the Evista. After Istopped it, the side effects disappeared.

Next, my gynecologist put meFosamax. I tookthat for about fiveyears but stoppedtaking it because Icouldn’t handle theside effects any-more. I experi-enced acid refluxthat would comeon at all times ofthe day and night. Ihad reflux prob-lems about fivedays a week, but it stopped when I dis-continued the Fosamax. Another prob-lem I had with the drug was problemswith my teeth. I had several root canalsand even had to have a tooth pulled,which my dentist told me came out tooeasily. When I next saw my gynecolo-gist, I again told her I had stopped themedication. She ordered another bonescan, which showed that my bones hadbecome even worse. This time she rec-ommended Boniva. She explained thatbecause it was taken only once a month,it should reduce my chances of havingreflux problems again. I took it for a yearbut again experienced acid reflux.Another trip to the gynecologist andanother bone scan showed littleimprovement, so I was again put onFosamax but at a lower dosage. Again,the reflux came back, so I stopped it inJanuary of this year. I don’t want to takeanother osteoporosis medication, but mygynecologist wants me on something tohelp my bones. I am currently taking twodaily calcium pills that contain vitaminD but wonder what else I can do. It wassuggested I try a medication that is givenby daily injection or one that I get once ayear, but I haven’t heard many goodthings about either and worry about sideeffects.

DEAR READER: You clearly have asensitivity to the side effects of anti-osteoporosis medication, and, while boththe daily shot and yearly IV wouldbypass your gastrointestinal tract andlikely eliminate the acid-reflux sideeffect, I wouldn’t recommend you trythem. I say this because of the threemedications you have been on, none hasprovided significant improvement. Infact, the Fosamax didn’t help at all, asyour bone-density study revealed wors-ening. Therefore, I urge you to ask for areferral to an endocrinologist, who cantest you for other conditions that couldcause weakened, brittle bones, such asvitamin D deficiency. A few weeks back,I responded to a letter about that veryissue. Several studies have found thatvitamin D deficiency is on the rise in allage groups and recommend that the cur-rent standards for supplementation berevised. While you are awaiting anappointment with the specialist, Takecalcium and vitamin D supplements. Yousay you are taking two pills a day, butyou didn’t give the dosage. The currentrecommendation is 1,000 to 1,500 mil-ligrams of calcium and 600 to 800 IU ofvitamin D daily. If you are not taking inthis amount, you should increase yourintake to meet these levels.

Peter H.Gott, M.D.

BABY BLUES ® By Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott

MARVIN ® by Tom Armstrong

THE GRIZZWELLS ® by Bill Schorr

SOUP TO NUTZ ® by Howie Schneider

FRANK & ERNEST ® by Bob Thaves

THE BORN LOSER ® by Art & Chip Sansom

ARLO & JANIS ® by Jimmy Johnson

HERMAN® by Jim Unger

ALLEY OOP® by Dave Graue and Jack Bender

Friday, April 24, 2009Your Birthday

The year ahead could turn out to be anactive one in making new discoveries,forming good friendships, and generatinglots of excitement in your life — but itwon’t be all play and no work. In fact,you might score big with career-relatedmatters.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Eventhough a new relationship is in its earlystages, much to your surprise, you’ll dis-cover that a recent acquaintance hasturned out to be a good friend.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Toyour surprise, an important matter can befinalized owing to the fact that everyoneinvolved is in agreement and not askingfor any more changes, as is usually thecase.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Thiscould be a day of either making a newdiscovery or encountering a potentialnew friend. In either case, it will generatea sense of excitement and add new inter-est to your life.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Tackle thatnagging problem of making ends meet,because you’ll be particularly good atfinding unusual ways to stretch thatworn-out dollar. It’ll put a hop in yourstep and bring a song to your lips.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Youare happiest and most effective when youare busy, so you can afford to have sever-al irons in the fire. In fact, the efficiencyyou develop increases your industrious-ness.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) —Because you have proven that you can betrusted, an associate may share valuableinformation with you. Armed with thisknowledge, you’ll produce far-reachingconstructive ramifications.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Youwon’t want to spend this day in yourusual manner, and you shouldn’t. Dosomething spontaneous socially withfriends who won’t put a dent in your wal-let but know how to have a good time.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)— This is a good day to tackle those oldproblems that you’ve been unable toresolve. You’re particularly resourcefuland are apt to come up with unique waysto work things out.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) —Don’t waste this day on inconsequentialproblems. You’re particularly resourcefulabout anything you take on, so focus onwhat needs solving and don’t doubt yoursolutions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) —Financial problems can be worked out toyour satisfaction, provided you considerthe other person’s position and make surethat there’s something in it for him or her,too. One-sided navigation falls short.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) —Because you’re a “we” person and not a“me” player, your attitude and opinionsaren’t likely to be selfish. As a result, youwill win at an endeavor that needed team-work.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Youare such an effective producer becauseyou’re smart enough not to take on morethan you can handle at one time, plusyou’ll schedule your assignments so theydon’t overlap.

Unresponsive osteoporosisneeds specialist

ASTRO-GRAPH

Annie’s Mailbox

By Kathy Mitchell &Marcy Sugar

“BERNICEBEDE OSOL

NEA CROSSWORD PUZZLE

A cross section of calls to theBryan CountyCommunications Center

Tuesday8:56 a.m. stray dog 200

block of Red Bud Ln.9:54 attempted burglary 800

block of N. 10th10:02 problems with juve-

niles 1100 block of W. Main10:33 pistol stolen out of

vehicle 3800 block of N. First11:39 controlled burn 300

block of N. Hotel11:56 gun stolen Ninth and

Tennessee12:39 p.m. attempted bur-

glary 400 block of S. 12th12:46 harassment 700 block

of Mason12:49 auto accident

Jalapeno’s1:02 auto accident 2200

block of Main2:19 four or five pit bulls run-

ning loose 400 block of E.Cedar

2:38 shoplifter seems highon something Walmart

2:54 fire 300 block of N.Gates

3:09 disturbance Calera carwash

4:18 burglary 100 block ofW. Alabama

4:55 brush fire Banty andShoemake

5:09 auto accident Radio Rd.5:15 theft Walmart parking

lot5:41 burglary 700 block of

Buffalo Xing Rd.6:34 burglary 500 block of

N. Fourth6:42 woman screaming at

him 100 block of Bryant7:11 shoplifter in custody

Walmart7:19 threats 100 block of

Wilson7:24 go-carts and ATVs on

road Fifth and Plum8:10 cows out 1000 block of

Waldron8:11 four teenagers beating

up on mailbox N.E. Fourth andLocust

BY JUDY ROWLANDCADDO CORRESPONDENT

One of Caddo’s newest res-idents, Jane Stolke, and thewomen of the CaddoPresbyterian Church wouldlike to invite all ladies of anyage to a celebration of moth-ers and daughters. This willbe held May 9 at 2 p.m. attheir church building.

There will be a receptionfollowing a presentation byStolke entitled “JinglesShares Her Beauty Secrets.”

Jingles is a clown thatStolke created and “dedicatedto the Lord to tell her story.”Her story is of her journey insearch of beauty and how shefound the secret of true beau-ty in a most unlikely place.

“I accepted Christ as myLord at the age of nine, butwent on to wander in awilderness of my own makingin an off-on relationship withGod. When the miraclesbegan I realized I had wan-dered in that wilderness for 40years but he had not forgottenme or my promise to serveHim,” Stolke said.

Stolke has had an activeClown Ministry, having spo-

ken to groups of all faiths andages including a junior/seniorhigh school group inMissouri.

Jingles is not an ordinaryclown; she is a prop, oneStolke uses to be able to standbefore an audience and tellher story of beauty secrets,miracles and the symbolismof the Christian Clown in “alight-hearted and joyful way.”

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BY JUDY ROWLANDCADDO CORRESPONDENT

On April 20, two of thenew Caddo council mem-bers were sworn in tooffice by Betty Parker.They are Samantha Perryand Sue Ann Johnson. Bythese two being sworn inat this time the councilnow has a quorum and will

be able to deal with anyemergencies should theyarise.

The other two newlyelected council members,Gary Boehme andKenneth Whorton, will besworn in immediatelyprior to the regularlyscheduled meeting whichis the first Monday night ineach month.

COURTESY PHOTO

FROM LEFT, Samantha Perry and Sue Ann Johnsonwere sworn in recently as Caddo council members

Two members addedto Caddo council

Caddo resident bringsclown ministry to town

Jane Stolke is shown as Jingles.

Country music superstar,Trace Adkins will perform atChoctaw Events Center inDurant Thursday, May 14.Doors open at 6 p.m. andshowtime is at 7 p.m.. Ticketsprices are $100, $75, $45,and can be purchased onlineat www.startickets.com

Considered to be one of thehardest-working men in showbusiness, Adkins is a sea-soned performer who consis-tently sells out venues. Hishard-driving stage show ischalked full of hits that havemade him one of countrymusic’s top headlining andin-demand artists today,including light-hearted rompslike “This Ain’t No Thinkin’Thing,” “Honky TonkBadonkadonk,” “Hot Mama,”“Ladies Love Country Boys,”to the emotionally chargedballads “I’m Tryin,’”“Arlington,” and his 2008

monster hit, “You’re GonnaMiss This.” Adkins instantlyenergizes his audience theminute he steps out on thestage and always leaves themwanting more.

Last year, Adkins wasseemingly everywhere —from national televisionappearances, to the moviescreen, covers of magazines,radio and Internet alike. Hebecame an even bigger house-hold name as the semi-finaliston NBC’s hit reality series,“The Celebrity Apprentice.”As a result of his appearanceon the show, he has raisedmore than $300,000 for hischarity, the Food Allergy &Anaphylaxis Network.

In recent months, Adkinshas made several more highprofile media appearancesincluding The EllenDegeneres Show, Late LateShow with Craig Ferguson,

TalkShow with Spike Feresten,Glenn Beck Show, Late NightWith Jimmy Fallon and mostrecently, the 44th AnnualACM Awards, where his per-formance of “Til The LastShot’s Fired” with the WestPoint Glee Club became thehighlight of the evening.Adkins also walked awaywith the “Single of The Year”award for his 2008 monsterhit, “You’re Gonna MissThis.”

Coming up on Sunday,May 24, Adkins will performat the National Memorial DayConcert to be broadcast livefrom the West Lawn of theCapitol and air nationally onPBS on 8 p.m. ET (Checklocal listings).

He has just released his10th album for CapitolRecords titled, TRACEADKINS “X” (TEN) whichincludes his latest Top 20 hit

“Marry For Money.” Thesong’s hilarious new video ispresently airing in heavy rota-tion on CMT and GAC.

Trace Adkins’ career hastaken him many differentplaces since launching hiscareer in 1996 with his debutalbum that sold more than amillion copies, but perform-ing is what has alwaysremained his priority and pas-sion.

“The thing that keeps thisjob fresh and exciting for meis that incredible high I getfrom being on stage in front ofthousands of fans and per-forming live,” says Adkins.“I’m also pretty lucky andblessed. I’ve been given awonderful opportunity to dowhat I love.”

For more of the latest newsand complete tour informa-tion visitwww.traceadkins.com

Adkins to perform in Durant May 14

Durant native plans book signing for SaturdayAuthor Shannon Gibson

Tynes, a native of Durant,graduate of SoutheasternOklahoma State Universityand 1981 graduate of DurantHigh School, will be atBremar’s Variety Depot from10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday fora book signing.

She will sign her newlypublished romance/suspensenovel, “Where ProvidenceCollides,” which can also bepurchased online throughPublishAmerica.com or atBarnes and Noble book stores.

Shannon Tynes currentlyresides in Oklahoma Citywhere she isan elemen-tary physicale d u c a t i o nteacher andhas two sons.

W h e nwriting thenovel “WhereProvidenceCollides,” the message shewanted to share was hope andunderstanding that God’s tim-ing is not always our timing,

and waiting on the Lord andtrusting in his love will pay offwhen he decides to reveal toyou his plan for your life.

“Where ProvidenceCollides” begins in the 16thcentury where a couple isunjustly separated. Throughthe power prayer and heartwrenching vow to find eachother again the tale unfolds.It brings us to the presentwhere their paths collideonce again. Not knowingeach other but obviouslydrawn to one another, the two

of them face many obstaclesin order to realize their lovewithstood the test of time.Even though centuries havepassed, they are given adivine gift from God to beable to be together again … ifthey can survive.

“Where ProvidenceCollides” is filled with twistsand turns in stormy seas aswell as life, where irony isintertwined with love, hate,jealousy, betrayal and divineintervention in matters of theheart.

Shannon Tynes

Police log

Upcoming eventsCurrently:

Sunnyside Road, which crossesHighway 75, will be closed for two tothree weeks, beginning April 27.Interstate Highway Construction workersare elevating the bridge, which willcause a temporary 5-inch lip during thetransition period. This project is part ofthe Oklahoma Department ofTransportation highway project.

Summer and Fall 2009 pre-enroll-ment is currently under way atSoutheastern Oklahoma State University.For more information, contact the Officeof Admissions at (580) 745-2052 or(800) 435-1327, ext. 2052, or visitwww.se.edu.

Friday,April 24The Lighthouse of Colbert located

south of Colbert Post Office is holding itsanniversary services April 24-26.Serviceswill start at 7 p.m. April 24 with Bro.Phillip Moore officiating, 7 p.m. April 25with Bro. Dayle Pair and 10:30 a.m.April26 with Bro. Danny Maples. For moreinformation, call (580) 296-5970 or(903) 821-7361.

Sigma Tau Gamma Mu ChapterAlumni board meeting at the SilveradoGolf Course Clubhouse will be at 5:30p.m. Friday.All Sig Tau’s are invited.

Sigma Tau Gamma and FriendsSpring Poker Tournament is set for Fridayat 7 p.m. Silverado Golf CourseClubhouse.All proceeds are dedicated tothe Sigma Tau Gamma ScholarshipFund.

Saturday,April 25The City of Durant Landfill will be

closed Saturday and will reopenMonday,April 27.

The Holder family is sponsoring abenefit spaghetti dinner for MelissaCoker is set from 5-8 p.m. Saturday atthe Choctaw Nation Community Center,located at 1705 W. Locust Street,Durant. The dinner is $5 per plate andincludes spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert

and a drink. Children 3 years old andyounger eat free and to-go plates areavailable. A silent auction and live out-side entertainment will also be available.

Author Shannon Gibson Tynes, anative of Durant, will be at Bremar’sVariety Depot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday for a book signing for her newlypublished romance/suspense novel,“Where Providence Collides.”

The Oklahombres 20th AnniversaryCelebration will be from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the WilliamRay Memorial Park in Madill. Meet theoutlaws and lawmen of MarshallCounty’s past. There will be Live GunShootout produced by “Guns ofSipokni”, pony and wagon rides, blue-grass jam, vintage cars, carnival gamesand food provided by CreekmoreMasonic Lodge. The event is sponsoredby the Museum of Southern Oklahoma.

A health fair is set for 10 a.m. to 1p.m. Saturday, April 25, at SouthernPointe Living Center, located at 101Sherrard Drive, Colbert, where variousvendors will be represented.The fair willhave free blood pressure checks, hotdogs and drinks and balloons for chil-dren.

Newlife Assembly of God, 1003 N.Third in Calera, is having a garage salefrom 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, April25. The sale will benefit the girl’s min-istries classes of Newlife.

A Family Day/Senior Day is set at 1p.m. Saturday, April 25, at SE’s ballparkin Durant for SE’s last weekend of regu-lar season play, weather permitting.Shamrock Bank is providing free hot-dogs and Landmark Bank is providingfoul balls for children to chase andkeep.

The Sigma Tau Gamma and Friendsannual Golf Tournament will be Saturdayat the Silverado Golf Course. Tee will beat 1 pm. Hamburger feed and registra-tion starts at noon. All proceeds will bededicated to the Sigma Tau Gamma

Scholarship Fund.

The Pentecostals of Bokchito is hav-ing a fundraising fellowship breakfast formissionary help at the Bokchito pavilionSaturday 8-10 a.m. The meal will havepancakes,sausage juice and coffee costis $5 for adults and $3 for childrenunder 12 years old. For more informa-tion, call Pastor Parker 295-2177.

April 25 and 26The Oklahombres Anniversary

Rendezvous will be April 25 and 26 inMadill. On Sunday, April 26, the deathsof Agent Crocket Long and DeputyEugene C. Moore, who was killed byClyde Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde, willbe honored with wreath laying cere-monies.There will be a Sunday field tripto the New Historical Monument Placeat the site of the Moore killing inStringtown.The event is being hosted byMarshall County, the Historical Societyand Museum of Southern Oklahoma.

Monday,April 27The Bokchito/Rock Creek Alumni

Association will meet April 27 at Frank’sCafe at 6 p.m. for a Dutch treat dinner.The business meeting will be at 7 p.m.in the First Baptist Church fellowshiphall.All former students and spouses areinvited to attend.

April 29-30SODA Area Agency on Aging will pro-

vide training for potential Ombudsmanvolunteers to help those living in nursinghomes and assisted living centersWednesday,April 29, and Thursday,April30, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at theRobert L.Williams Library in Durant. Formore information or to make a reserva-tion to attend, please contact TiffanyNeal or Anita Harper, Ombudsmansupervisor, at SODA Area Agency onAging at (580) 924-2627 or (580) 924-2729.

Saturday, May 2The Roberta Reunion will be held at

10 a.m. at the Roberta Baptist Church.Those participating are asked to bring a

food of their choice, as well as old pic-tures, report cards and written memo-ries to make a Roberta history book. Formore information, call Kay Green (580)924-3011.

The Durant Elks Lodge No. 1963 willhave a Community Yard Sale Shop-A-Palooza from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday,May 2, at Highway 70 and Gates Ave.,Durant, behind Walmart. For more infor-mation, call Sandy at (580) 579-1183,e-mail daisy2422u@yahoo.com or callDamon at (918) 774-2274.

Monday, May 4Bryan County Republicans and

Conservatives will hold their monthlymeeting at 7 p.m. at the Victory JavaShop. Reports of the Oklahoma StateGOP Convention and ongoing legislativeissues will be discussed. All localConservatives and Republicans areinvited to attend and get involved.

The annual meeting of ColbertGarden of Memory Cemetery is sched-uled for 7 p.m. Monday, May 4, at theSenior Citizens Building, 506 N.Davidson,Colbert.The Colbert CemeteryAssociation has a seven-memberelected Board of Directors, all volun-teers, who guide and conduct the busi-ness of the the Cemetery. All membersand friends are encouraged to attendthe meeting. There will be a short busi-ness meeting, election of directors andMemorial Day services.

Wednesday, May 6The Mary Quisenberry Chapter of the

National Society of the Daughters of theAmerican Revolution will meet at 3 p.m.May 6 at the First Baptist Family LifeCenter in Durant.The chapter will honorits JAC winners. All members will serveas hostesses.

Saturday, May 9The Sig Tau Gamma “Frontier Dance

Reunion” at the Elks Lodge includesbarbecue lunch and the reunion ofJames Buck band 13 Hour, Xcentricsand Cold Blue Steel. For more details,visit www.sigtaumualums.com.

Parents need to know theirchildren’s friends.

As a child grows andexpands his horizons, he willoften encounter new people.These encounters could turninto life-long friendships.

It is important for parents tobe involved in a child’s life.This includes being interestedin their children’s friends start-ing in the early years, saidTommie M. James, Family &Consumer Science, ExtensionEducator for Bryan County.

“When your children areyounger, it’s likely that theirfriends are children of yourfriends or children they meetin a child care setting. But asthe children get older, theirexposure to other peoplegreatly increases and it’s notuncommon for children tohave friends whom the parentsdon’t know. Keep in mind thatdeveloping new friendshipshelps your children learnsocial skills that will go withthem throughout their lives.”

Arranging opportunities tobe involved and observe achild’s friends and interactionsis essential. Parents shouldencourage their child to joinschool or church activities,become a volunteer, join ahobby group or sports areways to develop new friend-ships.

James said parents shouldmake the effort to get to knowtheir children’s friends byinviting them to their home.

“Parents could plan a pizzaparty, host a game night orhave a movie night wherefriends are invited,” she said.“As parents, make yourselfavailable during the get-together, but don’t intrude onyour children and theirfriends.”

Parents also can includefriends in family outings suchas camping, fishing, bowlingor an afternoon at a park.

“Just as you want to get toknow your children’s friends,try to meet other parents whenpossible. Parents of the friendsprobably want to get to knowyour children as well,” Jamessaid. “Allow your children tovisit their friends’ homes, butyou probably should accom-pany them on the first visit soyou can meet the parents.Those parents will most likelyappreciate the fact that youtook the time to meet them. Italso shows that you areinvolved in your children’slives.”

Although it can be difficultat times, James suggests notbeing too critical or judgmen-tal of children’s friends. Insome cases, children and teenscan be more drawn to peopleparents criticize or attack per-sonally. Try to find somethingpositive to say about yourchildren’s friends. Yet, whenstated in a non-threateningmanner, children can acceptand respect parents’ concernsabout a particular trait orbehavior that is not accept-able.

It is important that parentstake time and listen to theirchildren talk about theirfriends and activities.Likewise, parents need tounderstand and respect theirchild’s individuality. Somechildren may be satisfied withjust one or two good friendswhile others may like manyfriends.

Learning from the trialsand errors experienced infriendships are essential tochildren’s emotional andsocial development.

“Developing lasting friend-ships is such an important partof growing up. As a parent, dowhat you can to help yourchildren develop positive rela-tionships,” she said. “There’sa good chance that some ofthose friendships will last alifetime.”

For more information fam-ily issues and parenting youcan contact James at theBryan Co. OklahomaCooperative ExtensionService by calling 924-5312.The Oklahoma CooperativeExtension Service offers itsprogram to all eligible per-sons regardless of race, color,national origin, religion, sex,age, disability, or status as aveteran, and is an EqualOpportunity Employer.

THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT 1111LocalTHURSDAY,APRIL 23, 2009

Parent involvementkey in children’sfriendships

DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT: DAVID C. REED

SECOND- AND THIRD-grade students could be seencelebrating the 1889Oklahoma Land Run at FortWashita Wednesday. Also,Ron Petty, historical inter-preter at the fort, said 167years ago on April 23, 1842,Captain George Blake and58 men of the SecondDragoons of the UnitedStates Army began construc-tion of the fort.

167 years ago...

BY BILL BERGSTROMASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

PHILADELPHIA (AP)— Their thumbs sure mustbe sore.

Two central Pennsylvaniafriends spent most of Marchin a text-messaging recordattempt, exchanging athumbs-flying total of217,000.

For one of the two, thatmeant an inches-thick item-ized bill for $26,000.

Nick Andes, 29, andDoug Klinger, 30, were rely-ing on their unlimited textmessaging plans to get themthrough the escapade, soAndes didn’t expect such abig bill.

“It came in a box that cost$27.55 to send to me,” hesaid Tuesday. He said he“panicked” and called T-Mobile, which told TheAssociated Press it had cred-ited his account and wasinvestigating the charges.

The two Lancaster-arearesidents have been practi-cally nonstop texters forabout a decade since theyattended Berks TechnicalInstitute together.

That led Andes to searchfor the largest monthly textmessage total he could findposted online: 182,000 sentin 2005 by Deepak Sharmain India.

Andes and Klinger wereable to set up their phones to

send multiple messages.During a February test runthey found they could send6,000 or 7,000 messages onsome days, prompting theMarch messaging marathon.

“Most were either shortphrases or one word, ‘LOL’or ‘Hello,’ things like that,with tons and tons ofrepeats,” said Andes,reached by phone.

Andes sent more than140,000 messages, andKlinger sent more than70,000 to end the month

with a total of just over217,000, he said.

A spokesman forGuinness World Recordsdidn’t immediately returnmessages asking whether itwould be certified as arecord.

April came as a relief toAndes’ wife, Julie, who hadfound his phone tied up withtexting when she tried to callhim on lunch breaks.

“She was tired of it thefirst few days into it,” Andessaid.

1122 THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT Local THURSDAY,APRIL 23, 2009

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Wednesday’s ReadingsStation Hi Low PcpnAntlers 89 47 0.00Hugo 87 53 0.00Lane 89 50 0.00Madill 90 55 0.00Tishomingo 89 48 0.00

Regional

Durant Readings 3-Day Forecast

MondayShowers and thun-derstorms likely.Cloudy, with a highnear 77. Chance ofprecipitation is 60 percent.

SundayA 20 percentchance of showersand thunder-storms. Mostlycloudy, with a high near 83.

SaturdayMostly cloudy, witha high near 86.South windbetween 16 and 24mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Elevation 615.39Normal Elevation 615.00Water Temp. 59

Lake Texoma

WeatherUp-To-The-Minute Forecast Atwww.durantdemocrat.com24-Hr. Forecast

TONIGHT:Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.South wind between 15 and 18mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

TOMORROW:A 20 percent chance of showersand thunderstorms. Some of thestorms could produce gusty winds.Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81.South wind between 18 and 21mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT:DAVID C. REED

Second- and third-gradersfrom Silo School partici-pated in a variety of activi-ties while celebrating theOklahoma Land Run of1889 at Fort WashitaWednesday. Katie Brister,counselor at the school,said the kids got to enjoysack races, story telling,campfire music, horse-shoes, making flags forland rush race, watermel-on eating contest andwater gun contests.

DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT:DAVID C. REED

“Pioneers,” or rather second-graders, from Washington Irving Elementary School prepared to recreate the OklahomaLand Rush of 1889 Wednesday. Many were dressed up like cowboys, pioneers and Native Americans. Accessoriesincluded little covered wagons.

Students recreate Oklahoma Land Rush

Visit the announcements• Birth announcements• Engagements• Weddings• Anniversaries• Obituaries

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www.durantdemocrat.com

Record attempt reaps 217K texts, $26K phone bill

www.durantdemocrat.com

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daily.